Lionel Messi is a wizard. We all knew this before Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands, but we got some more evidence during the game anyway.
The latest wizardry from Argentina’s talisman came in the first half, when he conjured up a passing lane for his side’s opener where no such lane existed.
Messi picked up the ball 40 yards from goal and had six Dutch defenders between him and the goal, with two well-marked runners in front of him.
Look at the situation Messi is in, and try to guess where he could play a killer pass. There does not seem to be much on!
And yet, Messi still threaded an inch-perfect pass through to Nahuel Molina, who took the ball in stride with a great first touch before finishing with his second touch for Argentina’s opener.
Argentina would go on to win the match on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw through 120 minutes.
Watch this one from as many angles as possible. It’s worth it.
Watch Messi’s assist vs. the Netherlands
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings