HARRISON, United States, Sept 28, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Lionel Messi marked his
100th international victory with two goals as Argentina edged closer to
Italy's world record unbeaten streak with a 3-0 defeat of Jamaica in a World
Cup warm-up friendly in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi took his international goals tally to 90
in 164 appearances after coming on as a second-half substitute at the Red
Bull Arena.

Messi's goals capped an emphatic win for the South Americans, who have now
gone 35 games unbeaten in a streak stretching back to 2019 - just two shy of
Italy's world record unbeaten run of 37 set between 2018 and 2012.

Messi, who also scored twice during a friendly win over Honduras in Miami on
Friday, delighted the crowd with an electrifying cameo after coming on in the
56th minute for Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez.

He bagged his first of the night in the 86th minute, darting forward before
caressing a shot into the bottom corner past Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake.

The 35-year-old seven-time Ballon D'Or winner then produced an impish second
goal, craftily curling a low shot underneath the Jamaican wall into the
bottom corner from a free-kick.

Messi's presence left the crowd in a frenzy. On three different occasions
spectators sprinted onto the pitch in an effort to get close to the
Argentinian icon.

One shirtless fan attempted to get Messi to autograph his back before he was
bundled to the floor by security staff.

Messi's late double crowned another assured performance from Lionel Scaloni's
Argentina, who are rapidly emerging as one of the favourites for the World
Cup in Qatar in November.

The Argentinians had dominated throughout a one-sided first half, and took
the lead on 13 minutes when Martinez jinked past Jamaica's Damion Lowe and
cut back for Manchester City's Julian Alvarez, who tucked away a low finish
from close range.

Alvarez almost had a second soon afterwards but curled his shot just wide.

Midfielder Guido Rodriguez also went close, but was unable to direct his
volley at the back post on target, instead shooting over the bar.

Giovani Lo Celso also threatened with a long-range effort that flew just wide
of the top corner in the 33rd minute.