Argentina captain Lionel Messi once again guided his country to a dominating win over Honduras in a friendly. Messi and co. are into their finals fixtures ahead of the FIFA World Cup that kicks-in just over a month’s time. Argentina seemed to be warming up nicely for the world tournament, as Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi were on the score-sheet to help them to a 3-0 win over Honduras.
It was the ‘La Pulga’ who once again stole the headlines by delivering a magical performance for the La Albiceleste. Messi completed the full 90 minutes with 3 shots on target, 3 accurate long-balls, 2 successful dribbles, 5 duels won and two goals scored. The brace now takes the Argentine all-time top scorer’s goal tally for his nation to 88, as we break-down his strikes in terms of major tournaments.
Lionel Messi @88 for Argentina: All of his strikes for the La Albiceleste
Lionel Messi became Argentina’s all-time top scorer, eclipsing another great Gabriel Batistuta’s tally of 55. The 35-year-old since hasn’t looked back, further going on to rack up 88 goals for his beloved nation. Moreover, in the process he also became South America’s all-time top scorer as well, surpassing Brazilian legend Pele’s record of 77. He also has 13 strikes at the continental Copa America competition, which he won last year. Here is how he has fared in various international tournaments:
|
International Competition |
Games |
Goals |
|
World Cup |
19 |
6 |
|
Copa America |
34 |
13 |
|
World Cup qualification |
60 |
28 |
|
Finalissima |
1 |
0 |
|
International friendlies |
49 |
41 |
The Major Tournaments; World Cup and The Copa America
Lionel Messi has made 53 appearances in across two major tournaments for Argentina, of which 19 have come across 4 FIFA World Cups he has featured in and 34 have come in 6 Copa America editions. The mercurial playmaker has netted 6 goals at the World Cup, and 13 in Copa America.
|
World Cup |
Games |
Goals |
|
2006 World Cup |
3 |
1 |
|
2010 World Cup |
5 |
0 |
|
2014 World Cup |
7 |
4 |
|
2018 World Cup |
4 |
1 |
|
19 |
6 |
|
Copa America |
Games |
Goals |
|
Copa America 2007 |
6 |
2 |
|
Copa America 2011 |
4 |
0 |
|
Copa America 2015 |
6 |
1 |
|
Copa America Centenario 2016 |
5 |
5 |
|
Copa America 2019 |
6 |
1 |
|
Copa America 2021 |
7 |
4 |
|
34 |
13 |
World Cup Qualifiers, Friendlies
Messi has smashed goals for his country whichever competition it be. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has led the Sky Blues in 60 South American world cup qualifiers, netting 28 goals, one behind all-time leading goal getter Luis Suarez [Uruguay]. He also has featured in 49 friendlies across is illustrious international career, scoring a massive 41 goals.
|
World Cup Qualifiers |
Games |
Goals |
|
2010 World Cup qualifiers |
18 |
4 |
|
2014 World Cup qualifiers |
14 |
10 |
|
2018 World Cup qualifiers |
10 |
7 |
|
2022 World Cup qualifiers |
15 |
7 |
|
28 |
|
Games |
Goals |
|
49 |
41 |
|
Finalissima |
Fixture |
Goals |
|
2022 |
Italy 0-3 Argentina |
0 |
Messi will now look to add to his tally of 88 goals in this year’s FIFA World Cup, as it could be his last shot to get his hands on the golden trophy. He has well warmed up to be in his best shape for the showdown, putting on some brilliant performances for his club PSG, and now country as well in the friendlies.