Lionel Messi Scores Superb Free-Kick As Part Of First-Half Hat-Trick For Argentina In 12-Goal Exhibition Game Against Newell's Old Boys

Lionel Messi played a starring role in a highly entertaining exhibition match in his hometown of Rosario on Saturday.

Messi was playing for an Argentina XI against former club Newell's Old Boys.

The game took place on Messi's 36th birthday and the Argentina legend was serenaded before kick-off by 42,000 fans singing "que los cumplas feliz".

Messi then repaid those supporters by treating them to a fine performance.

The former Barcelona forward scored a first-half hat-trick, with his opening goal of the game coming from a superb direct free-kick.

However, these goals will not count towards Messi's official career record.

Despite Messi's individual brilliance, his Argentina side lost 7-5.

But Saturday's game was not all about Messi, not officially anyway.

It had been organized as a testimonial for Maxi Rodriguez, who is retiring from playing after a career that saw him represent Espanyol, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Penarol and the Argentina national team, as well as three spells with Newell's.

Angel Di Maria and Martin Demichelis also played in Rodriguez's testimonial at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Inter Miami lost 4-1 away at Philadelphia Union.

Miami recently agreed a deal to sign Messi, who will make his Major League Soccer debut next month.

Messi spent five years at Newell's and scored close to 500 goals during a remarkable youth career.

But he has never played for the Newell's first team, having moved to Barcelona aged 13.

Lionel Messi pictured (center) playing for an Argentina XI against Newell's Old Boys in a testimonial game for former international teammate Maxi Rodriguez

IMAGO/Luciano Bisbal