It is to believe that the air of Paris still improves Lionel Messi.
Facing Bolivia with Argentina, the captain of the Albiceleste hit the target three times to the delight of the 25,000 spectators at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, open to the public for the first time since the start of the pandemic .
In prospect of the return of the magical striker in Paris, Mauricio Pochettino is already rubbing his hands. Indeed, Messi, scorer in the 14th, 64th and 88th minutes, also appeared very leggy, sharper and faster than ever. Very accomplice with Lautaro Martinez, he has also often turned into a smuggler, even if his comrades have not known his success. Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes and Marcos Acuña again had good chances, but their actions failed in the trenches of the Bolivian defense.
After a quarter of an hour of play, the neo-Parisian signed his masterpiece.
Served in the axis about twenty meters from the opposing goal, Messi, in supersonic control, eliminated his direct opponent and left the entire opposing defense in place, to wind a strike with the left foot in the Bolivian skylight (1-0 , 16th).
In the stands, filled to 30% of their capacity because of the sanitary conditions, the supporters waved their arms up and down, mimicking prostration before their god Messi.
Pelé's record broken
After the break came the time for collective Argentinian wonder.
Up close, Messi, in step, victoriously concluded a series of exchanges with Lautaro Martinez in the opposing area (2-0, 64 ').
Shortly before the final whistle, the Parisian completed the Argentine triumph by springing to push into the net a strike from his teammate Leandro Paredes (3-0, 88th).
Messi, who was the 153rd selection for the Argentine team, thus beats the legendary Brazilian Pelé's record with 79 goals for the national team, which was 77 goals.
[📺 VIDEO SUMMARY] 🏆 # WCQ2022
🔥🔥🔥 Thanks to a hat-trick from a monumental Messi, Argentina won 3-0 against Bolivia!
🤩 The Albiceleste was able for the first time to celebrate their Copa America title in front of their home crowd! Https: //t.co/XiO0Gc2wxr
- beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) September 10, 2021
The world record holder in selection, however, remains Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo with 111 goals in 180 games, the most recent against Ireland last week.
"I have waited a long time," said the hero of the evening in reference to the victory in the Copa America won against Brazil in the final (1-0) in Rio two months ago, and whose trophy was presented to the public Argentinian Thursday evening.
It's a unique moment after waiting so long, I'm very happy, added the striker moved to the point of bursting into tears.
People are crazy (with joy).
Everything is linked, (with) the national team which has just been champion of the Copa America… ”
"I dreamed a lot about this day and thank goodness it came," he posted later that night on Instagram.
I have no words to thank you all for the love I have received.
What a beautiful night, I enjoyed it so much.
Unforgettable… "
Messi ♥ ️ pic.twitter.com/JWrqaPdpTJ
- Rob Smith (@robsmithireland) September 10, 2021
With 18 points, Argentina are second behind Brazil, who won 2-0 Thursday against Peru.
In Buenos Aires at the end of the meeting, the organizers had planned a concert and fireworks.
