Just when you think Lionel Messi couldn't provide more magic, he continues to produce incredible moments in his career.
For the player that has achieved almost everything, Messi is chasing the missing piece of the jigsaw, the World Cup. Against a defensively stubborn Netherlands side, it was never going to be an easy task.
The game was crying out for a magical moment, as Argentina were struggling to break down Louis Van Gaal's side. Up stepped Messi, with one of the best passes you will ever see.
Messi picked the ball up from deep and ran at the Netherlands defence, before showing his incredible vision to put Nahuel Molina through on goal to open the scoring.
🇳🇱 0-1 🇦🇷
Messi the provider for Nahuel Molina to score on 36 minutes
📺 Watch live now on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer: https://t.co/2a31t0nJdX
📱 Live updates: https://t.co/WYLR1TyMV2#FifaWorldCup #NEDARG #rtsoccer pic.twitter.com/vUPrv9Fh1g— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 9, 2022
From long range goals, to incredible solo runs, to free-kicks, Messi has shown he can do it all.
At 35, he may not have the pace he once had to skip past defences. In his new playmaker role, he has shown his passing ability in this tournament to have an influence on games in a new way.
The seven time Ballon D'or winner is probably the only player in the world who could have found that small gap in the Dutch defence, as he continues to lead Argentina to World Cup glory.
It's incredible that for the last 15 years, we are still taken back by the moments of magic from Messi, despite producing it so regularly.
Twitter Reacts To Messi Magic
The online reaction showed his assist dominated the headlines. It looks like the neutral fan would love nothing more than to see Messi add the World Cup to his stellar career.
There are people that will watch Messi play passes like that and still think Ronaldo is a better footballer btw 💀
— Joe Thomlinson (@joethomlinson) December 9, 2022
Give Messi a brick and he builds a house
— Tim Vickery (@Tim_Vickery) December 9, 2022
Lionel Messi. He see’s things the rest don’t. pic.twitter.com/U8NCx4BIpM
— Ryan (@bernardooooV3) December 9, 2022
Feel bad for Messi, his back must be so sore. Tough watch
— Calfreezy (@Calfreezy) December 9, 2022
That pass from messi 😂😂😂🔥
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) December 9, 2022
5 - Lionel Messi has assisted five goals in the World Cup knockout stages - since Opta have World Cup assists (from 1966), this is the most on record in the knockout rounds of the finals, surpassing Pelé's four. Goat. pic.twitter.com/ScHbh5oj1b
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 9, 2022
Marked by three Dutch players and he still finds the space and time to pick out a pass for Molina. Lionel Messi is out of this world #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/es5MSwmD4p
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) December 9, 2022
Van Gaal at halftime in the dressing room after watching a clip of Messi’s reverse assist again pic.twitter.com/6K6s7YFC7h
— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) December 9, 2022
Messi continues to cement his incredible legacy during the tournament. Should he win the World Cup, it would end the argument of the greatest player of all time.
This Argentina side haven't been convincing, with big names underperforming. After a slow start to the tournament, they have shown why they were one of the favourites.
SEE ALSO: Celtic Fans Are Adding Millions To Defender's Transfer Fee After Brazil Performance
