Another Argentina game, another Lionel Messi masterclass.Last weekend, the little magician was up his usual tricks as the South American nation defeated Honduras 3-0 in a friendly match staged in Miami.Messi scored twice in the fixture, including a 30 yard chip that ranks as one of his best ever goals on international duty.And in the early hours of the Wednesday morning UK time, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar added yet another stunner to his collection with Argentina.Due to suffering from flu-like symptoms in the build-up, Messi didn't start in Argentina's final World Cup warm-up match versus Jamaica.Manchester City's Julian Alvarez got the nod ahead of him, but Messi came on in the 56th minute of proceedings.It took the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner a little while to get going after entering the fray.
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 27: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina passes the ball as Daniel Johnson #8 of Jamaica defends in the second half at Red Bull Arena on September 27, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey. Argentina defeated Jamaica 3-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Messi's cameo vs Jamaica
Fans inside the stadium had to wait until the 86th minute to get their first glimpse of Messi magic, although it was certainly worth the wait.
The little genius collected the ball outside the box and with Jamaica players surrounding him, he fired the ball into the bottom corner with his legendary left peg.
It was a vintage Messi strike.
Video: Messi's first goal vs Jamaica
Not bad, Leo.
Three minutes after he scored goal number 89 for Argentina, Messi made took his overall tally to 90.
And this time, it was an insane free-kick, his first successful set-piece effort since the 2021 Copa America.
Messi took aim from a difficult position and instead of going over the wall, he went low and around it, nearly ripping a hole in the bottom corner for a second time.
Check out the great man's first free-kick goal in over a year...
Video: Messi's insane free-kick vs Jamaica
Ladies and gentlemen, Messi is well and truly back to his best - and every other country going to the Qatar World Cup should be very, very afraid.
In the aftermath of Argentina's comfortable 3-0 victory over Jamaica, which has extended the nation's unbeaten run to 35 games, Lionel Scaloni couldn't speak highly enough of Messi.
“I enjoy him just like you," the manager told TyC Sports. "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.â€