Sergio Aguero surpasses Diego Maradona's goal tally for Argentina after scoring late winner in Russia

Sergio Aguero moved past Diego Maradona's goals total for Argentina before vowing to 'keep growing' on the international stage.

The Manchester City striker netted his 35th goal for his country as Jorge Sampaoli's side edged out Russia in their friendly in Moscow on Saturday night.

Aguero's 85th-minute winner moves him level with Hernan Crespo on the list of all-time Argentina scorers and he now trails only Lionel Messi (61) and Gabriel Batistuta (54).

Sergio Aguero moved past Diego Maradona's goals total for Argentina on Saturday night

Sergio Aguero moved past Diego Maradona's goals total for Argentina on Saturday night

Sergio Aguero sealed victory at the death in Moscow with a well placed header

Sergio Aguero sealed victory at the death in Moscow with a well placed header

The striker made no secret of his joy after bagging a late winner for his country in the tie

The striker made no secret of his joy after bagging a late winner for his country in the friendly

The Manchester City striker was congratulated by Lionel Messi and Co on his winning goal

The Manchester City striker was congratulated by Lionel Messi and Co on his winning goal

Argentina all-time leading goalscorers 

61 - Lionel Messi

54 - Gabriel Batistuta

35 - Sergio Aguero, Hernan Crespo

34 - Diego Maradona

31 - Gonzalo Higuain 

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And Aguero urged his team to continue getting stronger ahead of their return to Russia next summer for the World Cup finals.


'I'm happy with the goal and with the victory, we played well and we have to keep growing,' he said.

'There are a lot of new players and it's hard to get to know each other. I remember that we understood each other quite well.

'We have to continue on this road ahead of the World Cup.'

Although Argentina fielded a strong side that included Messi, Aguero and Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel di Maria, they were frustrated by Russia and their goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev for 85 minutes.

But Aguero's firm header from close range eventually broke the deadlock after a number of good chances had gone begging.