Doha, 26 Nov (Xinhua) -- Did the game play without routines and rules? With Messi, that's enough!
In the second group stage of the World Cup in Qatar, Argentina faced a life-and-death battle after losing to Saudi Arabia in the first game. Winning is the only option for the "Pampas Eagles", and other results will directly lead to Messi's "last dance" ending early.
Argentina's Lionel Messi after the match on November 26. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cao Can
In the first half, Argentina had slow passes and frequent mistakes, making it difficult to organize an effective attack. Throughout the first half, the players played uncomfortably and the fans watched uncomfortable.
Shortly after the start of the second half, the situation changed. In the 64th minute, after advancing the ball near the top of the penalty area, Messi suddenly fired a cold arrow and hit the ground to break through the gate guarded by Mexican "goalkeeper" Ochoa. A thunderclap rose to the ground, and Messi waved his fist many times to celebrate.
After Messi's low shot, the entire Argentine team was activated. The unsparing running, the desperate pressing, and the fighting spirit of unity are all back! In the 87th minute, Enzo Fernandez received an assist from Messi, got rid of the defender and shot into the far corner. Argentina beat Mexico 2-0.
One goal, one assist, and another Messi pulled Argentina back from the brink of elimination!
Argentina's Lionel Messi (center) celebrates a goal on November 26. Photo by Xu Zijian, a reporter from Xinhua News Agency
Remember the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Messi scored four goals in three group games, especially in the second game against Iran, scoring the decisive goal in the 91st minute. Relying on Messi's dominating performance, Argentina advanced that year to the top of the group.
Back in Russia four years ago, in the group stage, Argentina was first forced to draw by Iceland, and then "abused" by Croatia, and Messi scored a key goal in the third game to help Argentina successfully advance to the knockout round.
"Turn the tide and help the building fall." This is Messi, this is the value and charm of the top stars in football.
But at the same time, Messi's performance once again covered up the overall embarrassment and embarrassment of the Argentine team.
Relying on the inspiration of Messi or other players is the only tactic of this Argentine team? The Argentine team is extremely united and strives to help Messi chase the "big dream" one last time, but the problems in the team will not disappear in a vacuum-Lo Celso's injury has led to insufficient control in the midfield, two wing breakthroughs, advances, and crosses are inefficient, center Lautaro is in extremely poor form, and Messi and Di Maria, who rely too much on physical strength and speed slippage...
In this "superstar night" at the Lusail Stadium, Messi's pass and shot were significant: he became the only player to assist in five consecutive World Cups; Scored his eighth World Cup goal, equalling Maradona's World Cup goals.
88,966 fans, which is the number of spectators for this match and the highest number of spectators in the World Cup since the 1994 World Cup final (94,194). Together, these fans witnessed the 35-year-old Messi once again "carrying" the Argentine team forward in the same "unreasonable" way as Maradona.
Commenting on Messi's football career, Maradona, who is also the "king of the ball" of Argentina, is always a name that cannot be avoided.
Football has always been a stage for heroism. People desperately need to see the new king after Maradona, hoping to see Messi officially "crown" himself with the Hercules Cup. Such expectations bring attention and motivation, but also worry and stress.
The Argentine team may still be unsatisfactory, but tonight's Messi is the Messi who meets the expectations and imagination of fans.
On November 26, Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates victory. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cao Can