Football star, Lionel Messi, dazzled and made the difference Friday night, December 9, 2022, as Argentina oustruggled Netherlands to zoom into the semi-finals of the on-going World Cup in Qatar.
The Argentines dominated the match, going ahead in the 35th minute when Messi laid the ball for on-rushing Molina to clinch into the net.
Messi, the best player in the world award winner, extended the lead from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
Supersub Weghorst, however, gave the Dutch some hope when he reduced the tally in the 83rd minute, heading in a cross from Berghuis.
He was to strike again 11 minutes into added time to even the scores and force 30 minutes of extra time that produced barren goals.
In the ensuing penalty shootouts, goalkeeper Martinez, proved to be the hero as he saved Netherlands’ first two kicks after Messi showed the way by scoring the first. Argentina eventually won 4-3 to set up a semi-final clash with Croatia, who hours earlier beat favourites Brazil, 4-2, after penalty kicks that followed a one-all draw, after 120 minutes of grueling battle.
