World Cup’s 101 Most Memorable Moments: Lionel Messi’s stellar 2018 purpose

By Doug McIntyre
FOX Sports activities Soccer Author

Editor’s be aware: With the 2022 FIFA World Cup now formally 101 days away, FOX Sports activities is counting down the 101 Most Memorable World Cup Moments. Every day between now and the kickoff of the primary match in Qatar on Nov. 20, we’ll unveil a special reminiscence from World Cup historical past. The countdown begins with Lionel Messi‘s purpose in opposition to Nigeria in 2018.

If Lionel Messi’s first contact would not take your breath away, his second one does.

It is 13 minutes into Argentina’s closing group stage sport in 2018, and with the Albiceleste coming off a 3-0 humiliation by Croatia 5 days earlier, they need to beat Nigeria to succeed in the knockout stage.

The stress on Messi has been constructing. The planet’s best participant is scoreless by two video games. He must do one thing. Now.

Then right away, he does: Éver Banega delivers a protracted aerial cross behind Nigeria’s protection {that a} streaking Messi settles along with his left thigh. Earlier than the ball hits the bottom, he delicately nudges it proper with the within of his left foot, creating simply sufficient house between him and Tremendous Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo to arrange his shot, which he duly blasts previous keeper Francis Uzoho along with his weaker proper leg.

Lionel Messi’s Miracle: No. 101 | Most Memorable Moments in FIFA World Cup Historical past

Beginning off at No. 101 on the 101 most memorable moments in FIFA World Cup historical past, Jenny Taft breaks down Lionel Messi’s purpose for Argentina in opposition to Nigeria within the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina went on to win the sport and advance. And whereas they had been eradicated by eventual champion France within the spherical of 16, Messi’s chic purpose was maybe the perfect of the event.

One of many main soccer journalists in North America, Doug McIntyre has lined United States males’s and ladies’s nationwide groups at a number of FIFA World Cups. Earlier than becoming a member of FOX Sports activities in 2021, he was a workers author with ESPN and Yahoo Sports activities. Comply with him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.