Lionel Messi scores 800th career goal in Argentina win amid World Cup celebrations - 'I always dreamed of this moment'

Lionel Messi netted his 800th career goal in what was Argentina's first match since winning the 2022 World Cup as they beat Panama 2-0 in an international friendly. The 35-year-old became only the second player to reach the impressive milestone after his old rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

He now has a staggering 99 international goals to his name with 672 for Barcelona and 29 for Paris Saint-Germain. Ad In an emotional World Cup winners' homecoming, Messi got on the scoresheet, much to the delight of the fans at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires as he and his team celebrated in style both before and after the match.

TransfersMan Utd told Kolo Muani fee ahead of summer transfer — Paper RoundYESTERDAY AT 06:02 Thiago Almada scored the opening goal to prompt the initial celebrations before the atmosphere went up several notches further as Messi found the top-right corner with an exquisite free-kick in the 89th minute when it looked as though he may not mark the occasion with a fitting strike. «I always dreamed of this moment, celebrating with you,» an emotional Messi said after the match as he paraded around the pitch with his family and the World Cup trophy.

If Messi can score another goal in Argentina's upcoming friendly match against Curacao on Tuesday, he will reach the incredible landmark of 100 goals for the national team to follow their World Cup triumph. 'It's a failure, that simple' — Expert analysis of PSG project with Messi struggling MLS commissioner Garber suggests 'Beckham-like' deal for league to land Messi Saudi Arabia preparing huge offer to secure Messi transfer — Paper Round Lionel Scaloni selected the same starting line-up from the World Cup final victory over France in Qatar in what seemed like