Lionel Messi's hat-trick saw World Cup-bound Argentina to a comfortable victory against Caribbean minnows Haiti in Buenos Aires.
2018 Friendlies
4-0
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