Lionel Messi grabbed his 800th career goal with a stunning freekick as World Champions Argentina beat Panama 2-0 at the El Monumental Stadium on Thursday, March 23.

The Paris Saint-Germain star scored one and assisted another in what was the first game for La Albiceleste following their World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Thiago Almada gave the three-time World champions the lead in the 76th minute after Messi's freekick came off the crossbar.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi converted another freekick with perfection in the 89th minute to wrap up a convincing 2-0 win for Lionel Scaloni's side.

The ex-Barcelona ace has now netted 800 career goals in 1017 appearances for both club and country.

The recently crowned FIFA Best player is now one goal shy of reaching a century of goals for the Argentine national team.


Check out the video below:

???? The moment Lionel Messi scored his 800th career goal with BRILLIANT free kick goal.#Messi????|#GOAT????|#Argentinapic.twitter.com/GcAcDjHdHy

— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) March 24, 2023