Messi overtakes Maradona's record of 34 goals for Argentina

Lionel Messi surpassed Diego Maradona’s tally of 34 goals after the Argentine scored a brilliant hat-trick in the 4-0 win against Guatemala on Friday.

The Barcelona striker is now tied with Hernan Crespo on 35, on the all-time top scorers for Argentina.

Messi put his team ahead just 10 minutes after kick-off with a brilliant goal from outside the box to which the opposition goalkeeper had no answer. Just before the end of first-half, Messi drew level with Maradona when he scored a penalty after Elias Vasquez’s clumsy challenge on the striker. In the second-half, Messi scored his third goal to complete his hat-trick in style and surpass the legendary playmaker.

The 25-year-old star, who has been suffering from injuries of late, is said to be allegedly involved in a tax-evasion scam with his father in Spain.