3 Lionel Messi – Argentina (vs USA)
A Copa America Centenario ‘best goals’ compilation isn’t complete without Lionel Messi on the list. For all of the eventual disappointment, and the subsequent hysteria following his retirement, Lionel Messi did light up the 2016 Copa America with some stunning goals, the pick of which was his final one.
With Argentina leading 1-0, Chris Wondowlowski felled the Argentine superstar about 25 yards from goal, much to Jurgen Klinsmann’s anger on the touchline. Messi stepped up, stole a few yards when he placed the ball, and bent an unstoppable free kick straight into the top corner, with Brad Guzan utterly beaten in the USA goal.
The goal had the added significance of being the one with which Lionel Messi broke the all-time goal-scoring record for Argentina, going past Gabriel Batistuta’s tally of 54 goals. With the Barcelona forward also announcing his retirement from the national team following the heart-breaking loss in the finals, this was his last goal in an Argentinian shirt.
What a beauty it was.
