Messi breaks Maradona’s goalscoring record for Argentina

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, has broken Diego Maradona’s tally for Argentina, after bagging a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Guatemala in a friendly match.

The 25-year-old opened scoring after 15 minutes, with a crisp drive from distance, before setting up the second goal. He scored from the spot shortly before half-time, after he was brought down and got the third, after a well-worked move.

His three goals took him to 35 goals – level with Hernan Crespo, but 21 goals behind Gabriel Batistuta, who remains on top.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Messi said: “Having overtaken Maradona is not important. The main thing was to end this friendly well as a team, which isn’t easy ahead of the holidays.”

PlayerCareerGoalsCapsAvg/GameGabriel Batistuta1991-200256780.718Hernan Crespo1995-200735640.555Lionel Messi2005-present35820.427Diego Maradona1977-199434910.374Luis Artime1961-196724250.960

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