Lionel Messi scores a lot of goals, but he’s also one of the best at finding the passing lane and placing a perfect pass to a teammate’s foot for them to score. The star #10 showed that in the first half of Argentina’s match against the Netherlands, as he needed all his talent to get the better of the Dutch defense.
Messi’s quick footwork created the separation to place the ball to Nahuel Molina, who took a touch and scored.
The replay really showed Messi’s brilliance. He maybe looks in Molina’s direction but keeps focused on what’s right in front of him. And then, at the last possible moment, Messi pulls off the nearly impossible no-look pass. I know it looks like a Messi love-fest, but it was a thing of beauty.
The goal put Argentina up 1-0 at halftime as either they or the Netherlands will face Croatia in the semifinal.
Many were awestruck at what Messi did. The guy might be 35, and this might be his last World Cup, but he can still amaze people.
About Phillip Bupp
Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.
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