Argentine talisman Lionel Messi and Portuguese defender Cristiano Ronaldo have always been involved in headlines and setting new records. Both great players are considered to be two of the best footballers of the current generation, and their skills have always amazed football fans. In the last match of Argentina, Messi surpassed Ronaldo’s record of free-kick goals.
Messi and Ronaldo are known for their incredible skills and have taken the level of football to new heights. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi scored an amazing free-kick to help Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 in the ongoing Copa America. This was Argentine’s 58th goal of a free-kick and Messi has now surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. Also, it was Messi’s 76th goal for his nation, putting him just shy of Pele’s record for most South American goalscorers in men’s internationals.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo de Paul scored Argentina’s first goal in the 40th minute, while Lautaro Martínez scored the second in the 84th minute. Messi managed to close the deal with a brilliant free kick during the break.
Argentina won 3-0, but Messi said the scoreline did not show the full picture. “The truth is it was a very tough match. I knew the difficulty of playing from Ecuador, who work hard with fast, physically strong, young players.” Messi said. “It was a fight until we achieved the (second) goal”, he added.
Messi said that he does not focus on the individual stages but wants to lead Argentina in the tournament. “I always say this: personally [moments] they are secondary, we are here for something else. I want to congratulate the group for their work – we have been away from our families for several days,” Messi said.
In the semi-finals of Copa America, Argentina will face Colombia on Wednesday while Brazil will take over Peru. As per Indian Standard Time football fixtures of Copa America are noted as Brazil vs Peru to play on 6th July at 4:30 am and Argentina vs Colombia to faceoff on 7th July at 6:30 am.
