Lionel Messi scores a lot of goals, but he’s also one of the best at finding the passing lane and placing a perfect pass to a teammate’s foot for them to score. The star #10 showed that in the first half of Argentina’s match against the Netherlands, as he needed all his talent to get the better of the Dutch defense.
Messi’s quick footwork created the separation to place the ball to Nahuel Molina, who took a touch and scored.
ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD 🔥
Nahuel Molina puts Argentina on top 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/ni5WtkJd7y
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 9, 2022
The replay really showed Messi’s brilliance. He maybe looks in Molina’s direction but keeps focused on what’s right in front of him. And then, at the last possible moment, Messi pulls off the nearly impossible no-look pass. I know it looks like a Messi love-fest, but it was a thing of beauty.
This no-look pass from Messi to set up the goal 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/92iSBzDYs0
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 9, 2022
The goal put Argentina up 1-0 at halftime as either they or the Netherlands will face Croatia in the semifinal.
Many were awestruck at what Messi did. The guy might be 35, and this might be his last World Cup, but he can still amaze people.
Show this still to someone who hasn’t seen the goal and ask them where the passing lane is. pic.twitter.com/FPDEYFjxZ3
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) December 9, 2022
That Messi pass was incredible in the stadium because I think he was the only person here who even perceived it as a possibility.
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) December 9, 2022
There were *six* Dutch players in Lionel Messi's line of sight between him and the 18-yard box when he made that pass.
He beat them all.https://t.co/ZSGp3ejqSA
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) December 9, 2022
That whole sequence from Messi is unreal. How does he even see that pass?
— Chad from KC. (@TheChad_KC) December 9, 2022
GOAL ARGENTINA!!! Molina from MESSI!!!!
What an absolute GEM of a pass from Messi to spring Molina, and he did the rest.
Needed greatness to unlock this Dutch defense and Messi delivered it.
1-0 Argentina
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) December 9, 2022
What a threaded no look pass from Messi and great finish by Molina. This Argentina squad is growing and growing with each game. Let’s hope they can keep this going!! Messi needs his whole team to win 🏆 #messi #arg
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) December 9, 2022
🤯 Lionel Messi what a pass, what vision. Incredible. How did he even see it!?
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) December 9, 2022
