Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi last night became only the second player in the Argentina national team’s history to reach 50 international goals, as he now trails Gabriel Batistuta’s all-time record by just six strikes.
Messi, whose Argentina team beat Bolivia 2-0 in what was an important World Cup qualifier, has been known for his incredible scoring feats at club level for the Spanish giants throughout his career. However, one thing that has followed him around like a sick puppy is the criticism he’s faced on international duty.
The Barcelona superstar last night silenced plenty of critics, though, as he became only the second player in the country’s history to reach the 50-goal mark for Argentina and now only trails Batistuta’s all-time record by six.
Additionally, the victory over Bolivia was Messi’s 107th cap, moving him up to fourth in the all-time list, just ahead of Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone.
Messi is now a full 15 goals clear of third-placed Hernan Crespo in the scoring charts while Diego Maradona is 16 behind. It should be no time at all before the Barcelona star takes over from Fiorentina legend ‘Batigol’ at the top of the leaderboard, too.
He was not just on the scoresheet against Bolivia last night, though, as Messi put in a fine performance for his country, becoming heavily involved in the opening goal from Gabriel Mercado and weaving in and out of challenges all night long.
The result means have 11 points from six games and look to be on their way to qualifying for World Cup Russia, 2018.
COMMENTS