Lionel Messi, often considered the greatest player to ever kick a football, will have the opportunity to crown his glittering career with a World Cup winner's medal on Sunday.
Having celebrated his 35th birthday in June, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner opened the scoring for Argentina, as they comprehensively beat Croatia by 3 goals to nil.
It is easy to laud superlatives at his feet, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to manifest something we haven't heard before.
TIME FOR REDEMPTION.
LEO MESSI AND ARGENTINA ARE ONE GAME AWAY FROM THE WORLD CUP ?? pic.twitter.com/J9PcmKXbwW
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 13, 2022
Last night, Messi scored from the spot before compatriot Julian Alvarez ended a solo run with a calm finish. Effectively, the game was killed in those couple of moments.
Starting the second half, the cameras focused on the four-time Champions League winner as he appeared to be comforting a hamstring injury.
Thankfully, for the thousands in attendance and the millions holding their breath around the world, it was a moment of nothing.
Leo Messi ? Julián Álvarez pic.twitter.com/s5TYkWynX2
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 13, 2022
Messi had already made history on Tuesday by stepping onto the field, as he equalled Lothar Matthaus’ record of 25 matches on the game's biggest stage.
That wasn't enough for the Rosario native, however, as the moment of the game - and arguably of the tournament - occurred for his side's third goal.
The heir to Maradona's throne sailed past the hugely-impressive Gvardiol in the 69th minute, starting and stopping as only he knows how and squaring for Alvarez. The rest, as they say, is history.
Enjoy!
by far the best video i’ve ever taken #messi pic.twitter.com/vJglh088Dr
— Connor Kalopsis (@ConnorKalopsis) December 13, 2022
