Sports Tak Staff
December 10, 2022
Argentina beat the Netherlands in penalties to reach the semis of the FIFA World Cup.
And guiding them to this victory was none other than Lionel Messi, who assisted one and scored another for the Albiceleste.
His assist was an exceptional pass to find Nahuel Molina, who scored his first international goal to give Argentina the lead.
Then Messi scored from the spot to give Argentina an unassailable lead.
Messi's goal was his 10th at the FIFA World Cup, equalling a record set by Gabriel Batistuta.
Batistuta's 10 goals in 12 World Cup appearances was scored between the 1994 to the 2002 editions of the mega event.
Messi is also the youngest and oldest player to both score and provide an assist in a FIFA World Cup game.
The match eventually ended 2-2, after late goals in the 82nd and 101st minute from Wout Weghorst brought Netherlands back into the game.
Argentina went on to beat the Dutchmen 4-2 in penalties as Messi reached his second FIFA World Cup semifinal.