June 06, (THEWILL) – Argentina crushed Estonia 5-1 in an international friendly on Sunday evening, with Lionel Messi scoring all five goals.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is Argentina’s first player to score five goals in a game since 1942. It began jn the eighth minute, when Messi scored his first goal of the evening from the penalty spot at Estadio El Sadar in Pamplona, Spain, blasting his spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Argentina continued to dominate against the FIFA world number 110, and Messi scored his second on the stroke of half-time from close range. Messi completed his hat-trick two minutes into the second half when he collected right-back Nahuel Molina’s cross and turned in from point-blank range.
In the 71st minute, Messi scored his fourth goal, rounding goalie Matvei Igonen and slotting home.
When a rebound after Paulo Dybala’s attempt was stopped came his way, the 34-year-old rounded off his evening in style by scoring Argentina’s fifth and final goal of the night five minutes later.
Argentina had a fantastic week, and this outcome was the cherry on top. On Wednesday, they defeated European champions Italy 3-0 at Wembley Stadium in the Finalissima with Messi finishing as Man of the Match.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.