With Argentina’s back up against the wall in a must-win match to close out Group D, Lionel Messi finally showed up. The Messi goal vs Nigeria put La Albiceleste on top 14 minutes into the game and the reaction from Diego Maradona was priceless.
Messi, who is trying to pass Maradona as Argentina’s all-time greatest player with a World Cup title, made a great run spotted by midfielder Ever Banega. The lofted through ball, the first touch and the finish were all sublime for the Messi goal vs Nigeria.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Golazo! de #Messi y #ARG ya lo gana sobre #NGA . Así lo narra @AndresCantorGOL pic.twitter.com/U7qdX3We9C
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 26, 2018
Those two touches by Messi
What a ball by Banega #pulga pic.twitter.com/CoAB7jlpf6— Bryce Badwan (@BBadss) June 26, 2018
And of course, the TV cameras immediately zoomed in on Maradona in the stands, who was having some sort of religious experience.
pretty sure Maradona just had an out-of-body experience after Messi’s goal #Argentina #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/WHO2M5DdrL
— Liam (@krochocinco) June 26, 2018
Maradona, who coached Messi at the 2010 World Cup, clearly wants the current No. 10 to succeed. Messi’s first goal of the 2018 tournament gives him a chance to do so.
The Messi goal vs Nigeria was his 65th for Argentina and his sixth at the World Cup. He became the first player to score a goal in his teens, 20s and 30s.