Lionel Messi's hat-trick saw World Cup-bound Argentina to a comfortable victory against Caribbean minnows Haiti in Buenos Aires.
Match Events
It was the Lionel Messi show as his hat-trick guided Argentina to a routine 4-0 friendly win over Haiti with the World Cup looming.
With the World Cup set to get underway in Russia next month, two-time champions Argentina stepped up their preparations thanks to captain Messi's three-goal haul in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
Messi took his international tally to 64 goals in 124 appearances – the Barcelona star's penalty breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute before he completed his hat-trick in eight second-half minutes against the Caribbean minnows.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner then set up substitute and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero with 21 minutes remaining at La Bombonera, where Haiti did not register a shot.
Javier Mascherano joined Javier Zanetti as Argentina's most-capped player in his 143rd international appearance and the former Barcelona utility was honoured pre-game.
16' Yellow Card! R. Ade booked
17' Penalty Goal! Argentina 1-0 Haiti (Messi)
Argentina have been given a penalty at Alberto Jacinto Armando...
58' GOAL! Argentina 2-0 Haiti (Messi)
Great finish from Lionel Messi to give Argentina a 2-0 lead.
66' GOAL! Argentina 3-0 Haiti (Messi)
Great play from Cristian Pavon to set up the goal.
It's now 3-0 in Buenos Aires as Lionel Messi scores for Argentina.
69' GOAL! Argentina 4-0 Haiti (Agüero)
Sergio Aguero puts the ball in the net and the home team extend their lead. The score-line now reads 4-0.
Lionel Messi with an assist there.
Line-ups
Argentina XI: Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ángel Di María, Federico Fazio, Eduardo Salvio, Willy Caballero, Nicolás Otamendi, N. Tagliafico, Manuel Lanzini, Giovani Lo Celso
Subs: Sergio Agüero, Lucas Biglia, Cristian Ansaldi, Gabriel Mercado, Éver Banega, Nahuel Guzmán, Armani, Marcos Rojo, Marcos Acuña, Paulo Dybala, M. Meza, C. Pavón
Haiti XI: Johny Placide, M. Jérôme, F. Vorbe, R. Ade, Carlens Arcus, Duckens Nazon, M. Cantave, B. Alceus, Z. Herivaux, Alex Júnior, J. Sanon
Subs: D. Etienne, B. Labissiere, B. Chevreuil, W. Vernet, R. Sprangers, J. Duverger, S. Sabat
raheem_CFC
121
Congrats to Messi on his hat trick and assist, Argentina on a great win and Haiti for not registering a single shot on goal 😂😂
Israel29
107
Good start, but I hope they can do this with big teams let’s remember this is Haiti. I’m just hoping that the way Argentina played today is the way they’ll play in the World Cup.
FreeAgent10
94
I watched a match where the Argentinians were learning how to play with each other. Messi got an hat trick and Aguero came on and scored. Higuian does not have confidence from the fans and also in himself so we won't see what we ought to until he has instilled confidence in himself. Aguero should be the undisputed starter for the forward position. Lo Celso should definitely start in the world cup, he's fantastic. I liked the subs Sampaoli made, we saw a instant impact of the changes. Pavon and Di Maria will be fighting for the LW spot but Di Maria is still in lead. Argentina should and can only get better from here.
Barcelona-Arsenal
85
The moments which messi gives you in the game is enough itself, but he adds goals, assists, etc. to his game, and it is just amazing to watch. Look at the second goal, the way messi was able to recognize the space, im not sure if it was natural instinct to run forward or if he knew where the rebound would fall, but it is still class. i think Higuain shouldnt be in the team, he does not show high class for argentina and brings nothing special to the table. i would rather see dybala, Aguero, etc. up forward. Cristian Pavon looked a bit nervy, but he will surely improve. Aguero showed his predatory skills on the fourth one Messi gets another hattrick Masche looked a bit limpy towards the end sadly, dybala didnt come in lo celso was involved in 3 of the 4 goals scored in some way or anotger, which is great to see by the youngster Willy Caballero and the defense was hardly tested, so it is yet to see how the defense will hold, it was interesting to see Salvio at Right Fullback
Abhishek Birua
57
who is this Giovanni lo celso(no 20) guy , after match I watched his videos .Great dribbling,smart ,quick feet and above all a better form of Di Maria.He could carry the mid with Messi easily.please check out his videos ,fun to watch.
Mik_143
53
I saw a New Argentina today, playing with intensity and desire! Yes it was "Haiti'' not a big deal ; many of the people will say. But just before the world cup, these are the most important friendlies to test out the team tactics and observe the forms of the players! And to be honest after seeing such an attacking mindset from Messi & Co. I'm happy !
rkverma732
49
it was a good game but higuain was not upto the mark so i wish coach can give playing time to icardi to prove himself in place of higuain. About Messi he is simply genious and aguero is also a world class striker 👌👌
Piscder
43
shivansh722
39
The moments which messi gives you in the game is enough itself, but he adds goals, assists, etc. to his game, and it is just amazing to watch. Look at the second goal, the way messi was able to recognize the space, im not sure if it was natural instinct to run forward or if he knew where the rebound would fall, but it is still class. i think Higuain shouldnt be in the team, he does not show high class for argentina and brings nothing special to the table. i would rather see dybala, Aguero, etc. up forward. Cristian Pavon looked a bit nervy, but he will surely improve. Aguero showed his predatory skills on the fourth one Messi gets another hattrick Masche looked a bit limpy towards the end sadly, dybala didnt come in lo celso was involved in 3 of the 4 goals scored in some way or anotger, which is great to see by the youngster Willy Caballero and the defense was hardly tested, so it is yet to see how the defense will hold, it was interesting to see Salvio at Right Fullback
MubAz123
37
Argentina played well. We have seen a good team work today. The forward rate and the middle line clearly cleared their pitch. The defense is very good today. Trying to do well to avoid further shot into the post. In this they succeeded. And then Messi. Second half of Agara and Pawon showed good game. We have a good team. Samplo proved to be a good coach. We have some more to put this team in the World Cup. Vamos Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷💪💪💪💪
Penpa_777
26
Higuain should be out from squad bring Icardi instead him.
Akhi345
13
Messi magic...