On the morning of March 29, Beijing time, the 2023 FIFA friendly match, World Cup champion Argentina faced Curacao in Santiago del Estero. Due to the big gap between the two teams, Argentina beat their opponents in only half time! Messi scored a hat-trick and unlocked the 100th goal of his national team career, with Nicolas Gonzalez and Enzo scoring one each for the record. In the first half, Argentina led 5-0.
Just two minutes into the game, Messi crossed the penalty area on the counter-attack, and Lautaro missed the empty goal. In the 10th minute, Messi dribbed the ball diagonally and shot with his foot after flashing out of space, the ball touched Gary's foot and deflected, and Curacao goalkeeper Rum blocked the ball.
In the 13th minute, Enzo went straight in midfield, Montiertau crossed, Messi adjusted his right-footed shot slightly, and Rum made another wonderful save.
In the 21st minute, Messi scored the 100th goal of his national team career! Argentina pressed aggressively in front, Lo Celso won the ball and slid diagonally into the box, and Messi dunked two defenders with a right-footed volley into the net.
In the 22nd minute, Lautaro's left-footed shot was blocked by Rum, and Nicolás Gonzalez added that it was cleared.
In the 24th minute, Montiel headed in from a corner, the Curacao defender was not far away, and Nicolas Gonzalez rushed into the net before the goalkeeper cleared.
In the 33rd minute, Nicolas Gonzalez penetrated from the left rib into the middle and handed the ball to Messi, who swung his leg in place and shot straight into the bottom left corner.
In the 35th minute, Messi took the ball back from the edge of the box, and Enzo shot from distance with an arrow.
In the 37th minute, Curacao's corner kick was unsuccessful, but Argentina played a quick counterattack, Lo Celso picked out a precise pass, and Messi inserted into the box to calmly push and score.
Argentina starter (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: 23 - Damien Martinez
Defenders: 4 Montiel, 6 Pezzera, 19 Otamendi, 8 Acuña
Midfielders: 17 Giovanni Lo Celso, 20 McAllister, 24 Enzo Fernandes
Forwards: 10 - Messi, 22 - Lautaro Martínez, 16 - Nicolas Gonzalez
Curacao starter (4-3-1-2)
Goalkeeper: 1 - Rum
Defenders: 3 Gary, 2 Martina, 4 Van Emma, 5 Floranus
Midfielders: 14 Gray, 6 Anita, 17 Couvas
Front waist: 10 - Leonardo Bakuna
Forwards: 7-Junior Bakuna, 9-Janga