Lionel Messi once again shook the football world with his spectacular performance leading Argentina to the quarter-finals.
Messi’s five minutes, four minutes and nineteen seconds, to be precise, were what brought Messi’s magic in the round of 16 clash against Egypt on Tuesday, July 7.
It was Messi’s impressive goal and an assist for Argentina against Egypt that kept the reigning champions’ hopes alive in the tournament.
In pure Messi magic that lasted 259 seconds, Lionel Messi delivered the goods in a three-act masterclass that proved he is the best soccer player in the world right now. Let’s find out.
Act I: The cross at 79 minutes
Until the 79th minute crossed and Lionel Messi arrived, it seemed like the GOAT were having a tough time so far in the tournament.
With Egypt winning 2-0, Argentina looked at this stage unlikely to return to the game.
Messi, just 15 seconds after the throw-in, found the ball returning home.
A centimeter-perfect center landed on Cristian Romero’s head. Argentina 1, Egypt 2.
Act II: The dribble (82′)
Messi received the ball on the touchline, his boots brushing the chalk to go back in time.
It was a memory from 2011 in Atlanta.
Just four minutes later, the Argentine captain redeemed his earlier missed penalty, leveling the score in a frenetic sequence.
Act III: The end (83′)
The decisive blow came in added time.
Lautaro MartÃnez’s frantic delivery towards Enzo Fernández, who scored with a header in added time to seal the victory.
These three acts summed up Messi’s magic: a cross, a run, a goal.
259 seconds of a completely magical moment that drove fans worldwide crazy.
Although it was Enzo Fernandez, who scored the last goal, no debate was necessary after witnessing Messi’s complete magic in his five-minute burst that helped Argentina cross the finish line.
