Lionel Messi has had a brilliant start to the ongoing 2022-23 season for his club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and has continued his fine form for Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The Argentine maestro was on top of his game as he helped the Albiceleste thrash Jamaica 3-0 in a friendly on Wednesday.

Messi bagged a sublime brace following Julain Alvarez's opener to seal a comfortable victory for Argentina. Messi's&nbsp;presence on the pitch had the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey as the American football fans got to witness the master working his magic on the football pitch.

One of the best to have ever played the game, Messi enjoys staggering popularity across the globe and it was no different in the US on Wednesday. A fan invaded the pitch during Argentina's clash against Jamaica to meet the PSG superstar and get an autograph from him on his bare back.

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However, the fan's unexpected meeting could have turned freakish for Messi, who was nearly taken down by the security as the officials attempted to knock down the pitch invader. Messi obliged to sign the fan's bare back but was interrupted midway as the security officials tried to get a hold of the fan, and ended up nearly pushing the Argentina captain to the ground in the process.

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los de Seguridad casi lastiman a Messi <a href="https://t.co/Ovxgs4Rlyu">pic.twitter.com/Ovxgs4Rlyu</a>
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Messi luckily escaped falling down on the ground and avoided any potential injury. The ace forward scored a brace, including a free kick in the 89th minute to propel Argentina to a 3-0 victory. It was his 90th goal for his country as extended his goal-scoring tally in international football.

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Messi's brace also helped Argentina extend&nbsp;their unbeaten streak to 35 matches. The&nbsp;Albiceleste are one of the favourites heading into the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar this year and will be looking to bring an end to their long-standing trophy drought at the showpiece event.

Lionel Messi has had a brilliant start to the ongoing 2022-23 season for his club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and has continued his fine form for Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Lionel Messi has had a brilliant start to the ongoing 2022-23 season for his club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and has continued his fine form for Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The Argentine maestro was on top of his game as he helped the Albiceleste thrash Jamaica 3-0 in a friendly on Wednesday. Messi bagged a sublime brace following Julain Alvarez's opener to seal a comfortable victory for Argentina. Messi's presence on the pitch had the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey as the American football fans got to witness the master working his magic on the football pitch. One of the best to have ever played the game, Messi enjoys staggering popularity across the globe and it was no different in the US on Wednesday. A fan invaded the pitch during Argentina's clash against Jamaica to meet the PSG superstar and get an autograph from him on his bare back. Also Read: WATCH: Shocking! Banana thrown at Richarlison as striker racially abused during Brazil-Tunisia tie However, the fan's unexpected meeting could have turned freakish for Messi, who was nearly taken down by the security as the officials attempted to knock down the pitch invader. Messi obliged to sign the fan's bare back but was interrupted midway as the security officials tried to get a hold of the fan, and ended up nearly pushing the Argentina captain to the ground in the process. los de Seguridad casi lastiman a Messi pic.twitter.com/Ovxgs4Rlyu — Argentina Gol (@BocaJrsGolArg) September 28, 2022 × Messi luckily escaped falling down on the ground and avoided any potential injury. The ace forward scored a brace, including a free kick in the 89th minute to propel Argentina to a 3-0 victory. It was his 90th goal for his country as extended his goal-scoring tally in international football. Also Read: Spain pip Portugal to reach Nations League finals as Czech Republic go down Messi's brace also helped Argentina extend their unbeaten streak to 35 matches. The Albiceleste are one of the favourites heading into the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar this year and will be looking to bring an end to their long-standing trophy drought at the showpiece event.

WATCH: Lionel Messi nearly taken down by security as he tries to sign pitch invader's bare back in USA

Lionel Messi scored twice and Argentina dominated Honduras 3-0 on Friday in Miami as the World Cup-bound team continues to fine-tune its game ahead of the upcoming international tournament in Qatar.

Messi was at the center of the action from the opening whistle, lobbing a pass to the charging Papu Gomez who found Lautaro Martinez for an early 1-0 lead.

The 35-year-old Messi was on the receiving end of a hard foul in the 39th minute when Deybi Flores of Honduras slammed into him, sending him face down onto the turf and drawing a yellow card.

Messi's teammates immediately got in the faces of the Honduras players and the teams exchanged words but stopped short of trading blows. The Argentina captain remained in the game.

Near the end of the half Marcelo Santos fouled Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso and Messi coolly slotted home the penalty for a 2-0 advantage.

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Argentina kept its foot on the gas in the second half, extending their unbeaten streak to 34 matches.

Enzo Fernandez stole the ball in the 69th minute and it fell perfectly to Messi, who chipped it over the goalkeeper's head to the delight of the partisan crowd at Hard Rock Stadium.

Determined to continue putting on a show for his fans, Messi tried a difficult leaping shot in the waning minutes of the match but it missed the target. The crowd roared in approval nonetheless.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-de-bruyne-leads-belgium-to-victory-over-wales-at-nations-league-519027">Kevin De Bruyne leads Belgium to victory over Wales at Nations League</a>

Next up for Argentina is another friendly, this time against Jamaica on Tuesday in New Jersey.

Two-time World Cup champions Argentina are among the favourites to win it all in Qatar and play their first group stage match against Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22.

Lionel Messi scored twice and Argentina dominated Honduras 3-0 on Friday in Miami as the World Cup-bound team continues to fine-tune its game ahead of the upcoming international tournament in Qatar.

Lionel Messi scored twice and Argentina dominated Honduras 3-0 on Friday in Miami as the World Cup-bound team continues to fine-tune its game ahead of the upcoming international tournament in Qatar. Messi was at the center of the action from the opening whistle, lobbing a pass to the charging Papu Gomez who found Lautaro Martinez for an early 1-0 lead. The 35-year-old Messi was on the receiving end of a hard foul in the 39th minute when Deybi Flores of Honduras slammed into him, sending him face down onto the turf and drawing a yellow card. Messi's teammates immediately got in the faces of the Honduras players and the teams exchanged words but stopped short of trading blows. The Argentina captain remained in the game. Near the end of the half Marcelo Santos fouled Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso and Messi coolly slotted home the penalty for a 2-0 advantage. Also Read: Man United star Cristiano Ronaldo charged by English FA for incident at Everton Argentina kept its foot on the gas in the second half, extending their unbeaten streak to 34 matches. Enzo Fernandez stole the ball in the 69th minute and it fell perfectly to Messi, who chipped it over the goalkeeper's head to the delight of the partisan crowd at Hard Rock Stadium. Determined to continue putting on a show for his fans, Messi tried a difficult leaping shot in the waning minutes of the match but it missed the target. The crowd roared in approval nonetheless. Also Read: Kevin De Bruyne leads Belgium to victory over Wales at Nations League Next up for Argentina is another friendly, this time against Jamaica on Tuesday in New Jersey. Two-time World Cup champions Argentina are among the favourites to win it all in Qatar and play their first group stage match against Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22.

Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina beat Honduras 3-0 in Miami

Brazil insisted that it won’t play its suspended World Cup qualifying match against Argentina next month, arguing that the risks are too high ahead of the tournament in Qatar.

The qualifier nearly one year ago in Sao Paulo was stopped by local health officials after six minutes due to COVID-19 protocols regarding four Argentinian players.

FIFA fined the soccer bodies of both countries and demanded the match be played. Brazil’s confederation and Argentina’s federation took the case to the Court for Arbitration of Sport, which is expected to rule later in August. The game would be in September but FIFA has not set a date.

Brazil coach Tite does not want to play the match due to risks of injuries, suspensions and a potential boycott by the Argentinians, according to Brazilian confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

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Brazilian media has reported that Selecao would rather play two friendlies in Europe.

“We will reach out to FIFA so this match is not played. I will make every effort to answer to the request of our coaching staff,”&nbsp;Rodrigues said in a statement.

“Our priority is to win the World Cup in Qatar. If that match is not recommended by the coaching staff of the Selecao, we will work for it not to be played.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-man-united-should-wayne-rooneys-take-on-cristiano-ronaldos-future-at-old-trafford-505636">'I think Man United should...' - Wayne Rooney's take on Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford</a>

Brazil and Argentina qualified regardless of that suspended encounter’s result. In Qatar, Brazil is in Group G with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.

Brazil insisted that it won’t play its suspended World Cup qualifying match against Argentina next month, arguing that the risks are too high ahead of the tournament in Qatar.

Brazil insisted that it won’t play its suspended World Cup qualifying match against Argentina next month, arguing that the risks are too high ahead of the tournament in Qatar. The qualifier nearly one year ago in Sao Paulo was stopped by local health officials after six minutes due to COVID-19 protocols regarding four Argentinian players. FIFA fined the soccer bodies of both countries and demanded the match be played. Brazil’s confederation and Argentina’s federation took the case to the Court for Arbitration of Sport, which is expected to rule later in August. The game would be in September but FIFA has not set a date. Brazil coach Tite does not want to play the match due to risks of injuries, suspensions and a potential boycott by the Argentinians, according to Brazilian confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues. Also Read: Qatar World Cup to kick off sooner than expected as FIFA allows hosts to play first - Report Brazilian media has reported that Selecao would rather play two friendlies in Europe. “We will reach out to FIFA so this match is not played. I will make every effort to answer to the request of our coaching staff,” Rodrigues said in a statement. “Our priority is to win the World Cup in Qatar. If that match is not recommended by the coaching staff of the Selecao, we will work for it not to be played.” Also Read: 'I think Man United should...' - Wayne Rooney's take on Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford Brazil and Argentina qualified regardless of that suspended encounter’s result. In Qatar, Brazil is in Group G with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.

Brazil soccer body refuses to play postponed World Cup qualifier against Argentina

Lionel Messi scored all the goals in Argentina's 5-0 friendly win over Estonia in Pamplona, Spain on Sunday.

Messi joins a select club comprising only Juan Andres Marvezy and Manuel Moreno to score five in a game for Argentina.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or scored from the spot in the eighth minute, then added four more in the space of half an hour (45, 47, 71 and 76 minutes).

His quintet extended his record tally of goals for his country to 86.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-scores-a-brace-as-portugal-thrash-switzerland-4-0-in-uefa-nations-league-485526">Cristiano Ronaldo scores a brace as Portugal thrash Switzerland 4-0 in UEFA Nations League</a>

Lionel Scaloni's side are unbeaten in 33 matches, the last loss a 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2019 Copa America.

At the World Cup finals in Qatar later this year Argentina are drawn with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

Lionel Messi scored all the goals in Argentina's 5-0 friendly win over Estonia in Pamplona, Spain on Sunday. Messi joins a select club comprising only Juan Andres Marvezy and Manuel Moreno to score five in a game for Argentina.

Lionel Messi scored all the goals in Argentina's 5-0 friendly win over Estonia in Pamplona, Spain on Sunday. Messi joins a select club comprising only Juan Andres Marvezy and Manuel Moreno to score five in a game for Argentina. The seven-time Ballon d'Or scored from the spot in the eighth minute, then added four more in the space of half an hour (45, 47, 71 and 76 minutes). His quintet extended his record tally of goals for his country to 86. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo scores a brace as Portugal thrash Switzerland 4-0 in UEFA Nations League Lionel Scaloni's side are unbeaten in 33 matches, the last loss a 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2019 Copa America. At the World Cup finals in Qatar later this year Argentina are drawn with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

Lionel Messi scores all five goals as Argentina beat Estonia 5-0 in a friendly

Argentina had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier at La Bombonera on Thursday, and Lionel Messi had what might have been a winning goal disallowed in the second half.

A Nicolas Gonzalez goal brought Argentina back level after Angel Romero's penalty put Paraguay in front at the home of Boca Juniors, where fans were absent because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The result ends Argentina's perfect start in their bid to qualify for the 2022 finals in Qatar, after Lionel Scaloni's team claimed narrow wins last month at home to Ecuador and away to Bolivia.

They thought they had gone in front in the 58th minute when Giovani Lo Celso pulled the ball back for captain Messi to sidefoot low into the net, but the goal was eventually disallowed by the Brazilian officials for a foul by Gonzalez at the beginning of the move.

At least Argentina recovered from falling behind midway through the first half, when Romero -- who plays in Argentina for San Lorenzo -- converted a penalty awarded for a foul by Lucas Martinez Quarta on Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron.

The home side lost midfielder Exequiel Palacios to injury soon after, but his replacement Lo Celso delivered the corner for VfB Stuttgart forward Gonzalez to head in the equaliser four minutes before half-time.

After his disallowed goal, a frustrated Messi also had a free-kick tipped onto the crossbar by Paraguay goalkeeper Anthony Silva.

Paraguay remain unbeaten having previously drawn with Peru and won in Venezuela.

The sides are in action again on Tuesday, when Argentina play Peru in Lima and Paraguay host Bolivia.

Thursday's other game in South American qualifying saw Ecuador claim a second win in three outings in the round-robin tournament as Carlos Gruezo's late penalty gave them a 3-2 victory over Bolivia in La Paz.

The action continues on Friday with Brazil notably hosting Venezuela in Sao Paulo as they chase a third straight win in qualifying.

They will be without Neymar, who has not recovered from an adductor injury suffered playing for Paris Saint-Germain recently.

Argentina had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier at La Bombonera on Thursday, and Lionel Messi had what might have been a winning goal disallowed in the second half.

Argentina had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier at La Bombonera on Thursday, and Lionel Messi had what might have been a winning goal disallowed in the second half. A Nicolas Gonzalez goal brought Argentina back level after Angel Romero's penalty put Paraguay in front at the home of Boca Juniors, where fans were absent because of the coronavirus pandemic. The result ends Argentina's perfect start in their bid to qualify for the 2022 finals in Qatar, after Lionel Scaloni's team claimed narrow wins last month at home to Ecuador and away to Bolivia. They thought they had gone in front in the 58th minute when Giovani Lo Celso pulled the ball back for captain Messi to sidefoot low into the net, but the goal was eventually disallowed by the Brazilian officials for a foul by Gonzalez at the beginning of the move. At least Argentina recovered from falling behind midway through the first half, when Romero -- who plays in Argentina for San Lorenzo -- converted a penalty awarded for a foul by Lucas Martinez Quarta on Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron. The home side lost midfielder Exequiel Palacios to injury soon after, but his replacement Lo Celso delivered the corner for VfB Stuttgart forward Gonzalez to head in the equaliser four minutes before half-time. After his disallowed goal, a frustrated Messi also had a free-kick tipped onto the crossbar by Paraguay goalkeeper Anthony Silva. Paraguay remain unbeaten having previously drawn with Peru and won in Venezuela. The sides are in action again on Tuesday, when Argentina play Peru in Lima and Paraguay host Bolivia. Thursday's other game in South American qualifying saw Ecuador claim a second win in three outings in the round-robin tournament as Carlos Gruezo's late penalty gave them a 3-2 victory over Bolivia in La Paz. The action continues on Friday with Brazil notably hosting Venezuela in Sao Paulo as they chase a third straight win in qualifying. They will be without Neymar, who has not recovered from an adductor injury suffered playing for Paris Saint-Germain recently.

Messi denied as Argentina held by Paraguay in World Cup qualifying

Brazil head coach Tite has said that Argentine striker Lionel Messi told him to 'shut his mouth'&nbsp;during the clash between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-goal-gives-argentina-1-0-win-over-brazil-262481">South American football giants</a>.

Messi returned after a three-month international ban and scored a goal to help Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the match, both Messi and Tite were seen exchanging words in the first half. The Argentine striker was seen putting his fingers to his lips as Tite complained to the referee.

"I complained because Messi should have been shown a yellow card and he told me to shut my mouth and I told him to shut his mouth. And that was it. I don't want to answer anymore on it. You need a strong referee because he'll swallow you... It should have been a card, I was right to complain," Goal.com quoted Tite as saying.

Earlier this year, Messi was handed a three-month ban for his comments against South America's football governing body CONMEBOL.

On July 6, Chile's Gary Medal and Messi were handed red cards during their Copa America clash in the 37th minute of the match. The video footage showed that Medal was clearly the aggressor and the decision of the referee was challenged by Messi. The Argentine striker, thereafter, walked off the field.

Messi was given his first red-card in a 14-year-long span and this decision did not go down well with the striker as he blasted CONMEBOL, saying the whole tournament was set up for Brazil's win and even went on to say that he did not want to be a 'part of this corruption'.

"There is no doubt the whole thing is set up for Brazil. I hope the VAR and referees don't play any part in the final and that Peru can compete but it looks tough to me. I did not want to be part of this corruption, we shouldn't have to be part of this disrespect we suffered during the Copa America. We could have gone further but we weren't allowed into the final. Corruption, referees and all the rest stopped people from enjoying the football," Messi had said.&nbsp;

Brazil head coach Tite has said that Argentine striker Lionel Messi told him to 'shut his mouth' during the clash between the South American football giants. Messi returned after a three-month international ban and scored a goal to help Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Brazil head coach Tite has said that Argentine striker Lionel Messi told him to 'shut his mouth' during the clash between the South American football giants. Messi returned after a three-month international ban and scored a goal to help Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the match, both Messi and Tite were seen exchanging words in the first half. The Argentine striker was seen putting his fingers to his lips as Tite complained to the referee. "I complained because Messi should have been shown a yellow card and he told me to shut my mouth and I told him to shut his mouth. And that was it. I don't want to answer anymore on it. You need a strong referee because he'll swallow you... It should have been a card, I was right to complain," Goal.com quoted Tite as saying. Earlier this year, Messi was handed a three-month ban for his comments against South America's football governing body CONMEBOL. On July 6, Chile's Gary Medal and Messi were handed red cards during their Copa America clash in the 37th minute of the match. The video footage showed that Medal was clearly the aggressor and the decision of the referee was challenged by Messi. The Argentine striker, thereafter, walked off the field. Messi was given his first red-card in a 14-year-long span and this decision did not go down well with the striker as he blasted CONMEBOL, saying the whole tournament was set up for Brazil's win and even went on to say that he did not want to be a 'part of this corruption'. "There is no doubt the whole thing is set up for Brazil. I hope the VAR and referees don't play any part in the final and that Peru can compete but it looks tough to me. I did not want to be part of this corruption, we shouldn't have to be part of this disrespect we suffered during the Copa America. We could have gone further but we weren't allowed into the final. Corruption, referees and all the rest stopped people from enjoying the football," Messi had said.

Lionel Messi asked me to shut my mouth: Brazil coach on clash with Argentine giant

"Messi's Argentina absence a pity for football", "Messi needs to break, to breathe", "Messi to announce retirement from Argentina" and many other stories with similar headlines on several news channels and papers went viral after Lionel decided to not play for the country for some time.&nbsp;

The Barcelona forward took an indefinite break from the Argentina squad after captaining them to the round of 16 in this summer's FIFA World Cup in Russia, a step which startled the football world and Messi's fans.

But why? The question still exists.&nbsp;

The new coach Claudio Tapia, who took the charge after Jorge Sampaoli stepped down, and Argentine Football Association decided to not put any pressure on Messi to return to the fold. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Messi, who has scored 65 goals in 128 appearances since his debut with Argentina in August 2005, was under immense pressure to win his first major trophy with Argentina.&nbsp;

He carried the hope of 44 million people and it was much evident as he lined up before kick-off in their crucial World Cup match against Croatia, with the captain rubbing his forehead with his eyes closed.

Despite competing in four World Cups and four Copa Americas, the Barcelona forward has not won a major trophy for his country. He even decided to retire from international football in June 2016 but reversed his decision two months later.

Same is the scenario now. Messi again reversed his decision to give his country what it deserves but the focus on his return is such that the team can't function without him. And, this is exactly what has to end. &nbsp;

Messi, who will be 35 by then, supposedly enter the next FIFA Wolrd Cup in Qatar, should enter the ground with a team that is capable to win the game. His presence should be a cherry on the top of a cake. &nbsp;&nbsp;

When playing for his country, Messi's unparalleled pressure and criticism go to a level difficult for any player to withstand.

He needs to be accompanied with several other talented players from all over the world to win a title because football is not a one man's game, it's a team game and the entire team has to be on their toes to help Messi play his potential and score.&nbsp;

Instead of raising questions on Messi's calibre, it's important to raise the standard of the team. However, it is also important for him to play with Argentina players in order to understand the game better. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

"Messi's Argentina absence a pity for football", "Messi needs to break, to breathe", "Messi to announce retirement from Argentina" and many other stories with similar headlines on several news channels and papers went viral after Lionel decided to not play for the country for some time.

"Messi's Argentina absence a pity for football", "Messi needs to break, to breathe", "Messi to announce retirement from Argentina" and many other stories with similar headlines on several news channels and papers went viral after Lionel decided to not play for the country for some time. The Barcelona forward took an indefinite break from the Argentina squad after captaining them to the round of 16 in this summer's FIFA World Cup in Russia, a step which startled the football world and Messi's fans. But why? The question still exists. The new coach Claudio Tapia, who took the charge after Jorge Sampaoli stepped down, and Argentine Football Association decided to not put any pressure on Messi to return to the fold. Messi, who has scored 65 goals in 128 appearances since his debut with Argentina in August 2005, was under immense pressure to win his first major trophy with Argentina. He carried the hope of 44 million people and it was much evident as he lined up before kick-off in their crucial World Cup match against Croatia, with the captain rubbing his forehead with his eyes closed. Despite competing in four World Cups and four Copa Americas, the Barcelona forward has not won a major trophy for his country. He even decided to retire from international football in June 2016 but reversed his decision two months later. Same is the scenario now. Messi again reversed his decision to give his country what it deserves but the focus on his return is such that the team can't function without him. And, this is exactly what has to end. Messi, who will be 35 by then, supposedly enter the next FIFA Wolrd Cup in Qatar, should enter the ground with a team that is capable to win the game. His presence should be a cherry on the top of a cake. When playing for his country, Messi's unparalleled pressure and criticism go to a level difficult for any player to withstand. He needs to be accompanied with several other talented players from all over the world to win a title because football is not a one man's game, it's a team game and the entire team has to be on their toes to help Messi play his potential and score. Instead of raising questions on Messi's calibre, it's important to raise the standard of the team. However, it is also important for him to play with Argentina players in order to understand the game better. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Absent' Lionel Messi aims to build Argentina football's present