Lionel Messi scores superb grounded free-kick goal for Argentina vs Jamaica; WATCH

Argentina edged closer to Italy's world record unbeaten streak after beating Jamaica 3-0 in a World Cup warm-up friendly in New Jersey. Julian Alvarez gave Argentina le in first half before Lionel Messi scored a brace after coming on as a second-half substitute. brace from Lionel Messi also took his international goals tally to 90 in 164 appearances. Argentina have w gone 35 matches unbeaten in a streak stretching back to 2019. two-time World Cup champions are just two shy of Italy’s world record unbeaten run of 37 matches which happened between 2018 and 2022.

WATCH | Lionel Messi free kick goal delights fans

Messi came onto pitch in 56th minute of match in place of striker Lautaro Martinez. PSG star scored his first goal of match in 86th minute, by placing his shot into bottom corner past Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake. seven-time Ballon d’Or winner bagged his second of night and third for team from a freekick. 35-year-old hit a low curling shot which went underneath Jamaican team wall into bottom corner from a free-kick.

match also witnessed fans trying to get closer to superstar by inving pitch. One shirtless fan attempted to get Messi to autograph his back before he was bundled to floor by security staff. Ar fan attempted to get a selfie only to be stopped by security when he almost reached near Argentina skipper.

Argentina vs Jamaica match highlights 

Coach Lionel Scaloni me eight changes from starting lineup following Friday’s 3-0 win Honduras with Di Maria and Giovani Lo Celso getting start. Emilia Martínez replaced Geronimo Rulli in goal. match which was dominated by Argentina team right from first half whistle. Albicelestes went ahe in match after just 13 minutes after striker Martinez went past Jamaica’s Damion Lowe and provided pass to Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, to tuck ball into net with a low finish from close range.

Alvarez almost doubled le and bagged his second of night with a curling shot which went just wide. Midfielder Guido Rodriguez also came close to getting his name on scoresheet but was unable to direct his volley at back post on target. Messi completed formalities in second half, scoring goals in  86th and 89th minute of match. Argentina will open ir World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia before talking on Mexico and Poland in ir group.