Who says Leo Messi saves his best for club, holding a little back for country?
Messi hit his first hat trick for Argentina only earlier this year in a 3-1 win over Switzerland.
Saturday in New Jersey, the Barcelona man was at his hat tricking best once again, striking for a trio in a sensational performance over Argentina’s biggest rival, Brazil. Argentina prevailed 4-3 in the back-and-forth friendly before a sellout crowd of 81,994 at MetLife Stadium.
His 84th minute game winner punctuated a dazzling run out of midfield.
Messi scored 73 goals in 60 Barcelona matches in the 2011-2012 season. (That broke the European club record of 67, by Bayern Munich’s Gerd Mueller in 1972-73.)
With nine more for Argentina, Messi totaled an amazing 82 goals (known for most strikers as a “career”) over world soccer’s unofficial “season.”
Two words: A. Mazing.
Here’s the third:
.
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Minnows Gibraltar officially join UEFA… but why are Spain mad?
May 24, 2013, 12:32 PM EDT
Reuters
Looking behind the incredible story of the tiny rock in the Mediterranean, that can now take on the giants of European soccer
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Champions League Final: Key battles for Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
May 24, 2013, 11:38 AM EDT
Which individual battles will determine which side lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy at Wembley on Saturday?
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Courtesy of MySanAntonio.com
We take a look at which US cities deserve an MLS expansion franchise and how close they are to getting it. Thoughts?
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Getty Images
Would Cole be a good pickup for Major League Soccer sides looking to cement their playoff aspirations?
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Champions League Final infographic: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
May 24, 2013, 8:31 AM EDT
Getty Images
The first-ever all-German UEFA Champions League final is one day away, take a look at our infographic to see which side has the edge.
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Getty Images
Christie Rampone and Sky Blue FC try to stay atop the NWSL Saturday in Overland Park.
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Manchester City rally downs Chelsea at the death in exciting US tour opener
May 23, 2013, 11:24 PM EDT
AP
Manchester City overcame a 3-goal deficit at Busch Stadium in St. Louis as Edin Dzeko bagged a brace to beat Chelsea 4-3.
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Yahoo! reports: Mourinho to sign 4-year deal with Chelsea, will be unveiled June 2
May 23, 2013, 11:03 PM EDT
Getty Images
Just days after Jose Mourinho mutually parted ways with Real Madrid, he will be completing a deal to become Chelsea’s next manager, says Martin Rogers of Yahoo! Sports via Twitter.
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Reuters
Roberto Martinez has given himself more time to decide on his future at Wigan, and also gave them a wish list.
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Getty Images
Asmir Begovic is apparently intending on showing up at the door of another club to start training.
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Reports: Porto to bank on Moutinho and Rodriguez in shock double move
May 23, 2013, 7:16 PM EDT
Reuters
AS Monaco, rich with the injection of money from a Russian tycoon, are set to make a huge splash, possibly as much as €70 million.
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The United States U-18 squad drew with the hosts in the middle of three group-stage matches during the 19th Annual Lisbon International Juniors Tournament.
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20-year-old Jonathan Osorio picked up his debut call-up to the Canadian national team along with three other Toronto FC teammates ahead of their friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday.
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Leighton Baines says Everton will be fine without Moyes, but will they?
May 23, 2013, 5:11 PM EDT
Getty Images
“Football clubs live on and we’ll live on, we’ll move on.” They’ll move on, they have to. But will they effectively?
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Reuters
With the upcoming Champions League final this weekend featuring an all-German cast, Germany secured another massive Champions League achievement today.
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Anyone else bothered by the way Bayern Munich have conducted themselves ahead of this Saturday’s Champions League final?
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Getty Images
Sunderland’s central defender will say goodbye to the English Premier League in exchange for a switch stateside.
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Manchester City president shoots down high-profile transfer links
May 23, 2013, 2:00 PM EDT
Reuters
Chelsea fans will be delighted, while those supporting Manchester City are sure to question who’s on their team’s mind.
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Should Europa League winners be awarded a spot in the Champions League?
May 23, 2013, 1:37 PM EDT
Should the champions of the Europa League be awarded a spot in the following season’s Champions League?
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Espanyol fans upset with Barca shirt on the statute of Christopher Columbus
May 23, 2013, 12:07 PM EDT
The city’s decision to permit Columbus to wear angers Espanyol fans, who believe Barca receives too much support from local institutions.
