Lionel Messi produced a stunning assist as Argentina took the lead against the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
The legendary forward produced another moment of individual brilliance to tee up Nahuel Molina for the game’s opening goal in the 35th minute.
After receiving the ball, Messi drove at the Netherlands’ defence, taking several touches before sliding an inch-perfect pass through to Molina.
Video: Messi's assist vs Netherlands
Watch Messi’s assist for Molina here:
What. A. Pass.
Check out the top-down view of Messi's assist:
There’s no limit to Messi’s genius.
Martin Keown, the BBC’s co-commentator, said: “How has he seen that pass?! He’s not even looking!â€
What else happened in the first half of Netherlands vs Argentina?
Like Friday’s earlier quarter-final between Croatia and Brazil, the opening stages at the Lusail Iconic Stadium were cagey.
Argentina enjoyed the lion’s share of possession during the first 15 minutes, pinning their opponents back, before Netherlands gradually played their way into the contest.
All eyes were on Messi, playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup, and Argentina’s talismanic captain had his first shot at goal in the 22nd minute - sending a long-range curling effort over Andries Noppert’s goal.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of Argentina is challenged by Frenkie de Jong of Netherlands during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Memphis Depay then had the Netherlands’ first attempt at goal minutes later, but it wasn’t an effort that troubled Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Supported by tens of thousand of vocal travelling fans in the stands, Argentina took the lead thanks to Messi’s latest moment of magic.
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