Please register to access this content.
To continue viewing the content you love, please sign in or create a new account
Dismiss
This content is for our paying subscribers only

Qatar World Cup 2022 News & Views

Messi comes off the bench to notch double as Argentina beat Jamaica

Team has one more tune-up against UAE on November 16 before World Cup campaign begins



Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates his goal during the international friendly against Jamaica at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
Image Credit: AFP

Second-half substitute Lionel Messi scored two late goals as Argentina beat Jamaica 3-0 in a World Cup warm-up in New Jersey.

Argentina took the lead in the 13th minute when Lautaro Martinez dribbled past Jamaican defenders in the box before finding Julian Alvarez, who coolly tapped the ball home.

Messi was reported to be suffering flu-like symptoms before the match and came off the bench in the 56th minute, scoring his first when he drove past several defenders and hammered home with four minutes remaining.

35 matches unbeaten

He added his second from a free kick three minutes later to extend Argentina’s unbeaten streak to 35 matches.

One fan came onto the pitch late on and Messi signed the shirtless intruder’s back before he was hauled away by security.

Advertisement

Messi, who also scored twice in a 3-0 win over Honduras in Miami on Friday, is looking to lead Argentina to their third World Cup title and first since 1986.

They have one more tune-up against United Arab Emirates on Nov. 16 before they begin their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22.

Advertisement