Anger, Smack Talk, and Divine Passes Give Fans Their Favorite Messi Ever

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Lionel Messi’s darkest moments in the Argentinian shirt began with a memorable lone walk, as he moved into a searing spotlight to face the opponent goalkeeper on the penalty spot.

It was Argentina’s first attempt at a penalty shootout after a 120-minute thriller against Chile, and also the final chapter of a frantic night for Messi. Pressure struck his magical limbs with each agonizingly slow step from midfield to the penalty spot.

Reflecting on the event six years ago, on June 26, 2016, Messi had his eyes on the Copa America, as he moved forward to begin the penalty shootout. He squinted toward the goal, then blasted a ball over the crossbar seconds later, leaving himself, the team, and his fans in a state of extreme shock. He grabbed his jersey with both hands and yanked furiously. He grimaced and covered his face in horror as he retraced his steps back to midfield.

After Argentina lost the “Copa America final,” Messi was “broken,” according to his gran amigo Sergio Aguero. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen him,” Aguero said. Messi used a dugout and supportive teammates to keep his distraught body upright. After it struck midnight, he quit the national team. “I tried so hard to be [a] champion with Argentina, but it didn’t happen, I couldn’t do it,” he said. The mission, and the crushing weight of it, was just “not for me.”

However, he wore the Argentinian jersey back, saying that he loved the game and playing for his county a little too much.

This was the context for his most recent lonely walk from midfield to another penalty spot, into another searing spotlight, for another first attempt following another 120-minute beating here on another frantic night in the World Cup 2022 quarterfinal in Qatar.

When pressure struck Messi early Saturday, he ignored it because of his change since his last World Cup.

He focused directly on the ball and, with a sense of calmness, tricked the Dutch goalkeeper to get the ball to cross the goal line. Argentina took the lead in the penalty shootout as a result. The final score led Argentina to the semi-finals, owing to the brilliance of Messi’s limbs that were no longer possessed by pressure. Over three unforgettable hours at the Lusail Stadium, the fans saw ruthless gamesmanship, 17 yellow cards, and relentless noise because, as the Argentine legend Jorge Valdano recently said, “He’s liberated.”

For years, when Argentina games devolved into barbaric madhouses, they frequently devoured Messi and his magic. But now, feeling “more experienced and mature,” he not only took part in Friday’s chaos; he rose above it. He scored a goal and celebrated with his arms outstretched, then sneaked over to the Netherlands bench and planted himself there, his palms wide open by the side of his ears, for a couple of iconic seconds.

“I felt disrespected by [Netherlands coach Louis] Van Gaal after his pregame comments,” Messi said postgame. “And some Dutch players talked too much during the game.”

He replied with his mouth and twinkling toes. He shook defenders with either shoulder. He was calm in the midst of chaos. As he does more often than anyone else in modern soccer, he leisurely walked, searching for space.

He had nearly perfect first-half touches and passes. His second-half penalty, after goalkeeper Andries Noppert failed to faze him, was accurate.

Messi looked calm and relaxed throughout the match, as he had been all month. He’s learned to reflect upon small details and enjoy the moments on the sport’s biggest stage. He feels more relaxed, allowing the team to work differently, without anxiety, since winning the Copa America last summer.

Thus, the constant pressure no longer hinders him. Messi emerged from it as a different man and a better player, compared to his mid-20s Barcelona-self.

In the past, s***housery, a soccer term for devious and ugly foul play reduced him to a sideshow. On Friday and into the early hours of Saturday morning, he was a s***housing protagonist.

After other Argentina players rubbed defeat into the faces of broken opponents, Messi sought the Dutch coaches and lifted his right hand, chewing his four fingers and thumb together in a talking gesture, insulting them.

Not long after the argument, during a television interview, he saw Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst walking by. “What are you looking at, bobo?” he snapped, using a Spanish word for “fool.”

Messi celebrated uproariously, his overall mood joyful rather than relieved. He spoke to reporters graciously and clearly, as he has throughout the tournament.

He’s now nearing the semifinal on Tuesday against Croatia , who dominated him in Russia four years ago and will likely tackle, crunch, and hack him just as the Dutch did on Friday. The Croats may speak up as well. If so, that’s fantastic.

If you love sports, you may watch the Football World Cup 2022 matches leading to the semi-finals and finals.

“I think Leo felt a bit attacked,” Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said after Friday’s game. “And [he] demonstrated that he is the best of all time.”

What are your thoughts on Lionel Messi’s unstoppable performance that propelled Argentina into the semi-finals after defeating the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments section below!

Chris Mack

Chris Mack

Meet Chris Mack, your go-to expert for the best of BBC iPlayer with a twist—he's also a cybersecurity enthusiast. Whether you're into British entertainment classics or searching for hidden gems, Chris has you covered, always with an eye for secure streaming practices. Beyond the screen, Chris blends his love for reading and exploring the outdoors with a passion for staying ahead in the world of cybersecurity, ensuring a safe viewing experience. If you're looking for top British TV picks or tips on keeping your digital viewing secure, Chris is your guide. Dive into the drama of British TV with Chris!


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