Lionel Messi's 10 best Argentina goals: From World Cup heroics to stunning free kicks

1. 2012 — Opener vs. Chile (CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying)

In 2012, Messi opened the scoring for Argentina against Chile during a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match. The Chilean defense appeared confident, but Messi remained composed and executed a flawless first touch, then swiftly shifted his weight to slide a shot past two defenders, slotting the ball into the far post.

2. 2010 — Winner vs. Brazil (International friendly)

During an international friendly against Brazil in 2010, Messi scored a late, dramatic 92nd-minute goal. Struggling to find the net in the previous four meetings with Brazil, Messi weaved through the defense, took a precise, arcing shot, and tucked the ball into the right post, ultimately securing a 1-0 victory.

3. 2022 — Opener vs. Mexico (2022 FIFA World Cup)

Argentina's defeat to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the 2022 World Cup cast doubt on their World Cup prospects. However, Messi stepped up, guiding Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Mexico in the second group stage match. Messi netted his trademark long-range goal, placing the ball low into the bottom-right corner from just outside the 25-yard line.

4. 2007 — Chip vs. Mexico (Copa America semifinals)

Messi's unforgettable chip goal against Mexico at the 2007 Copa America stands as one of his greatest Argentina goals. With the score at 1-0 during halftime, Messi took a seemingly impossible chip from around 16 yards out, soaring the ball over the Paraguayan goalkeeper and into the net, propelling Argentina to a 2-0 lead.

5. 2016 — Free-kick vs. Colombia (CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying)

From a set piece in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match, Messi once again demonstrated his set-piece wizardry. Taking a free-kick from outside the penalty area, Messi lofted a curving left-footed shot, sending the ball over the Colombian wall and striking the underside of the crossbar before descending into the net, securing a 3-0 victory for Argentina.