Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi stole the show for Argentina once again, scoring a brace against Jamaica in his 34-minute cameo after coming-off the bench. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had benched his captain after he reported cold-like symptoms. However, Messi was fit enough to make an appearance off the bench, coming on for Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, who impressed on the night as well.

The PSG superstar scored a stunning goal from outside of the box, and a delicious freekick to help his country to a 3-0 win in what was their last game before the World Cup. The fans in the Red Bull Arena were treated to a Messi-show, whereas the internet too was stormed by the GOAT debate. Messi was once again in the frame alongside his long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the debate, but fans this time had a clear winner; the ‘La Pulga’.

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi needed only 34 minutes to put on a two-goal masterclass against Jamaica in Argentina’s 3-0 win. Credits: Twitter

“Goat debate over”, “give him the world cup already”, reactions flood in after another Lionel Messi masterclass

The GOAT debate kicked in after Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal was sent crashing by Spain in their own backyard in the Nations League. Ronaldo’s men were well placed to qualify for the semi-finals, as a win or a mere draw against the La Roja would have done it. However, Alvaro Morata’s 88th minute winner meant Spain leapfrogged Portugal in the Group 2 of League A at the top, to make it to the semis.

Ronaldo had a game to forget as he failed to inspire his team to the next round. The Man United forward managed only 2 shots on target throughout the 90 minutes and created zero chances. On the other hand, his stern rival Lionel Messi worked wonders after being subbed-on just before the hour mark against Jamaica.

Messi hit a wonderful strike from the edge of the penalty box to bag his first of the night, and three minutes later scored a scrumptious low freekick deceiving the Jamaican wall as well as their shot-stopper Andre Blake. The seven-time Ballon d’Or finished the game with 5 duels won, 4 shots on target, 3 dribbles completed, 2 chances created and 2 goals scored.

Lionel Messi
While his fierce rival Lionel Messi was all smiles, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to inspire Portugal to Nations League semi-finals against Spain. Credits: Twitter

The Argentine win meant they have now gone 35 games unbeaten and can breach the all-time record of 37 set-up by Italy at the upcoming World Cup. Moreover, the best part for Scaloni is his talisman Lionel Messi is in a sublime form ahead of the tournament. The 35-year-old has 10 goals in 6 games for his country in 2022, and evidently has fire in his belly to light up the world tournament. Meanwhile, Ronaldo will have to worry a bit before the competition in Qatar, since he has only managed 2 goals in this calendar year for Portugal in 7 games.

Here are some of the best reactions from fans all over the world who were awestruck by Messi’s 34-minute cameo against Jamaica.