This is called ‘Messi Magic’ when one of the Argentine all-time greats Lionel Messi puzzled the millions of audiences with exhibiting a something fairy-tale that simply hard to imagine.
Messi displayed such a captivating footwork, which was astonishing and really a magic in front of more than 90,000 capacity packed up Stadium Lusail on Saturday night.
Delightful skills from ‘Magical Messi’ finally rescued Argentina from a great humiliation and elimination when his team played a do or die match against Mexico on the night.
Millions of football fans were just passing a nerve shattering moments when the Albicelestes were struggling for a goal to win the match, just to remain on the track avoiding a great disgraceful and shocking group stage exit.
Not only Argentine but millions of Messi fans across the world got relief after a wonderful strike from him, as well as sparked by Messi’s brilliant second half goal that breathed life into their teetering World Cup campaign.
Argentina, the two times champions of the World Cup and being the hot favourites of the Qatar 2022 edition, were in deep trouble after a shock loss to Saudi Arabia that put their World Cup bid within one more loss of coming to a premature end. But Messi's goal in the 64th minute gave his team the breakthrough they desperately needed against a fiercely competitive Mexico side.
With Mexico throwing the kitchen sink in search with huge challenges to Messi’s squad in the first half and Argentina were in tremendous pressure. Messi just appeared with his real character in the second half and shot passed the ball between two defenders and beyond the reach of the Mexican keeper within twinkle of an eye to stun all.
The Albiceleste’s 2-0 win over Mexico and breathed life into their chances of advancing to the Round of 16 from Group C. Meanwhile, it was a serious blow to El Tri's hopes and the Mexicans will go into the final day in last place in the group.
Messi, in fact tipped off at his tender age that once he would be a great footballer when he holds the national records for appearances and is also the country's all-time leading goal-scorer at his youth level. He won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, finishing the tournament with both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe and an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
His style of playing as a diminutive, left-footed dribbler drew comparisons with his compatriot and Diego Maradona the Great, who described Messi as his successor. After his senior debut in August 2005, Messi became the youngest Argentine to play and score in a FIFA World Cup in 2006.
Messi, who won a record sixth Ballon d’Or, won his first at aged 22 when three successful seasons followed, with Messi winning four consecutive Ballons d'Or, making him the first player to win the award four times and in a row.