FIFA world cup 2022 Messi

There is a thread that connects the three leading favourites to win the World Cup starting in Qatar on Sunday. Photo: Andres Kudacki / AFP.

Magical Messi steers Argentina to World Cup semifinals after all-time classic against the Netherlands

Lionel Messi scored and assisted as Argentina beat the Netherlands on penalties in a World Cup classic to reach Tuesday’s semifinal.

FIFA world cup 2022 Messi

There is a thread that connects the three leading favourites to win the World Cup starting in Qatar on Sunday. Photo: Andres Kudacki / AFP.

Argentina and The Netherlands produced a World Cup classic as Lionel Messi’s men ultimately prevailed on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time.


Lionel Messi called the tune at first

Argentina had less of the ball than the Netherlands in the first period, but they used it so efficiently when they were in possession. Messi’s geometrically inch-perfect pass for Nahuel Molina saw the Atlético Madrid full-back put La Albiceleste in front in the 35th minute.

Messi’s assist for Argentina’s opener. Video: @crewsmat10 / Twitter

Messi doubled Argentina’s lead from the penalty spot after Denzel Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuña in the area, with the great man making no mistake with the resulting spot-kick on 73 minutes. This was Messi’s 10th World Cup goal, taking him level with Argentinian legend Gabriel Batistuta in that regard. However, The Netherlands mounted an improbable comeback.

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Super sub Weghorst

Beşiktaş striker Wout Weghorst, on-loan from English Championship side Burnley, got one back for the Dutch ten minutes after Messi’s penalty and then he completed a dramatic comeback with a goal in borrowed time from a smartly improvised free-kick after the 10 minutes of stoppage time were up.

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Argentina forced the issue in extra time

Argentina pushed hard for a winner inside extra time, with Lautaro Martínez drawing a great save from Dutch keeper Andries Noppert in the 119th minute after a smart turn. Then Enzo Fernández hit the post with virtually Argentina’s last kick of the ball. By the time extra time was completed, the referee had dished out 14 yellow cards. Not the prettiest football match of all time.

Argentina finally prevailed 4-3 on penalties with Lautaro Martínez striking the decisive spot-kick. They will meet Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday December 13th.

World Cup
Croatia have now won four World Cup penalty shootouts in a row, and they’re in the 2022 semifinals after beating Brazil. Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

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