Lionel Messi's cameo in 3-0 Jamaica was breathtakingly brilliant, featured two stunning goals

Lionel Messi scored a brace for the second game running, this time coming off the bench to produce a phenomenal cameo against Jamaica.

After starring in the 3-0 win over Honduras on Saturday, Messi was given a rest for the friendly at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

Julian Alvarez, leading the line alongside Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez, opened the scoring in the 13th minute.

Captain, talisman and record goalscorer Messi was brought on just before the hour mark and the fans in attendance were treated to a masterclass.

He doubled Argentina's lead in the 86th minute, seizing on a loose ball and driving forward before smashing a low effort into the bottom corner past Andre Blake.

That was Messi's 89th goal for La Albiceleste but he soon moved onto 90 for his country - notching again just minutes later.

Argentina were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the box and Messi, being a set-piece specialist, fancied his chances.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar decided to go low again and caught the strike with the perfect power and placement, the ball going around the wall and fizzing into the back of the net in incredibly satisfying fashion.

It sealed a routine win for Argentina, who have gone 35 games unbeaten.

Messi, who was twice accosted by pitch invaders in the fixture, is now the third-highest international goalscorer of all-time.

This was the 35-year-old's final Argentina game before the World Cup in Qatar and Messi is looking in very good shape.

His manager Lionel Scaloni continues to run out of superlatives for him after seeing his greatness again.

Speaking to TyC Sports, Scaloni said: “He is like Federer. He retired and the entire world got emotional thinking he won’t be here anymore.

“It was wonderful to see him play. The same thing with him, although much more because football is a sport that moves much more. It’s why the entire world enjoys him, regardless of the country.

“It’s wonderful to see. I have the possibility of coaching him but if I were a fan, I would pay the ticket. The only thing left is to enjoy him because I don’t know if there will ever be anything like him.”

Featured Image Credit: Image: TyC Sports

Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Jamaica

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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