Copa America Centenario News
The Barcelona star shocked the world last Sunday announcing his international retirement after Argentina were beaten in the Copa America Centenario final by Chile on penalties.
Messi, the 29-year-old forward of FC Barcelona and the Argentina squad, announced on June 26 his retirement from the national team.
Messi has shown no sign of being overburdened by the pressure to end Argentina's wait for a title.
The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute.
Messi had been forced to delay his debut in the tournament after a slow recovery from a lower back injury.
Peru held on for a draw and with four points are in second place in the group behind Brazil on goal difference.
A victory against Panama on Friday would almost certainly guarantee a place in the quarter-finals for Argentina with one game remaining in Group D.
Uruguayans are the proud 15-time champions of South America, a continent which still continues to dominate the world football despite the presence of European powerhouses.
The result leaves Colombia who beat the United States in Friday`s opener, alone at the top of the group with three points.
The South-American superstars will be looking to prove their excellence by carrying on their spectacular goal-scoring form for their countries in the Copa America Centenario.
The five-time FIFA World Player of the Year required treatment on the field for several minutes.
Brazil have been drawn in Group A of Rio 2016 and open their campaign against South Africa in Brasilia on August 4.
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