Argentine superstar Lionel Messi put on a show on Saturday night for the nearly 89,000 people in attendance, as well as millions of others around the world.
The 35-year-old striker helped Argentina beat Mexico with a goal and an assist. It was the seventh straight game the superstar has scored or assisted for her country.
All eyes were on Messi
Going into the massive match against Mexico, Argentina needed to win to stay in the World Cup. Head coach Lionel Scaloni spoke on Friday about the team, and most importantly Messi, is ready for the fight.
“[Messi’s] I feel good but more than ever we need everyone,” said Scaloni. “We have no questions about [Messi’s] On a physical level, and emotionally it feels good, so there are no problems.
“Leo is doing well, like the rest of his teammates,” continued the coach. “We know that we have an important game tomorrow and most of the young players know that everything will stay on the field.
Everything depends on us, that’s why we have to give it our all on the pitch”.
The superstar shined when it counted
While Scaloni needed all his players to step up on Saturday, the stars obviously face more pressure. Messi did not disappoint. The Paris Saint-Germain player opened the scoring of the night in game 64.
He then got an assist thanks to a glorious goal from Enzo Fernández late in the game. The 2-0 victory placed Argentina in second place in Group C of the standings.
Messi’s goal against Mexico was his eighth World Cup goal for Argentina. He is now tied for the second most World Cup goals for the country with the legendary Diego Maradona.
Gabriel Batistuta currently holds the record for Argentina’s World Cup goals with 10.
Before the tournament, Messi stated that this would be his last World Cup appearance. This is essentially the only major trophy he has failed to collect during his illustrious career.
There is still a long way to go, but victory on Saturday means that Messi can keep the dream alive.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/Sipa USA
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