Messi’s World Cup dream is still on after quarter-final win over Netherlands

  • Bookmark

    • For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter

    We have more newsletters

    Argentina's victory over the Netherlands has many fans believing that it is finally Lionel Messi's year after reaching the semi-finals in nervy conditions.

    The Paris Saint-Germain star was in brilliant form once again after scoring and grabbing an assist before the Dutch came back in dramatic fashion. And with some big exits already at this tournament, including Germany, Spain and, most recently, Brazil, it has convinced many that Argentina might go all the way.

    Messi was in terrific form after lighting up the stage at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in a match that had some spicy challenges, including a late melee and a pitch invader. But an unlikely hero stepped forward from the Dutch bench.

    READ MORE: Ex-Miss Croatia who loves to wear skimpy outfits approached by security at World Cup game

    Wout Weghorst, best known for his shocking stint at Burnley, entered the fray to net a fantastic header before in the 10th minute of injury-time converting a genius set-piece to send the match to extra-time.

    And as the game went to penalties, Messi netted his effort after stepping up to the spot while Emi Martinez proved the hero of the shootout after saving against Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis while fans reckon Argentina could go all the way.

    Will Argentina win the World Cup this winter? Comment below

    One fan wrote: "Really hope this is Messi’s year, what a beautiful little man." And this fan posted: "Argentina’s year. Messi’s year."

    A third tweeted: "This is Lionel Messi’s year. If England are to not win this World Cup, I will settle for him lifting the trophy. Greatness on another level."

    While this fan said: "This is gonna be Messi’s year. You just feel it." And another wrote: "It’s Messi’s year. Argentina are looking like a serious team and Messi is playing like the GOAT he is."

    It means that Argentina will face Croatia in the semi-finals after the European nation stunned Brazil earlier in the day on penalties.

    On that occasion, Neymar appeared to wait and be the fifth taker but never got the chance with Brazil missing twice. But it means there is no South American showdown as a result.

    However, Argentina will believe that they have a brilliant chance to make it to the World Cup final – the last time coming in 2014. On that occasion, they lost to Germany while England play France on Saturday evening for a chance to take on either Portugal or Morocco.

    READ NEXT:

    • Five times Louis van Gaal left journalists speechless with hilarious 'horny' remarks

    • Argentine sex symbol who promised to run naked with Maradona still looks stunning today

    • David James 'stayed awake for 24 hours' at World Cup 'to see how he did without sleep'

    • Lionel Messi
    • World Cup

    Source: Read Full Article