Lionel Messi has not had the easiest season after leaving Barcelona for PSG, but the Argentina star provided a timely reminder against Italy of how devastating he can be with the ball at his feet with a phenomenal display of skill.The 34-year-old was selected by Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s Finalissima clash against Euro 2020 winners Italy, the first of its kind pitting the Copa America champions against the European winners.
And it was Messi who stole the show with an outrageous piece of dribbling to silence his doubters.Receiving a pass into feet and his back to goal, Messi kept the ball glued to his feet as he swivelled away from Azzurri full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
And after turning on a sixpence, Messi was away, leaving the Napoli man for dead. Messi used all of his strength and balance to hold off Di Lorenzo as he ran into the left channel before picking his spot — and Lautaro Martinez had the simplest of finishes to prod past Gianluigi Donnarumma.It was the kind of assist that proved the veteran star still has magic in his repertoire after admitting it had been a disappointing campaign, at least by his lofty standards, at the Parc des Princes.
Messi scored just six goals in his debut campaign in Ligue 1, having joined as a free agent after leaving Barcelona in August.But he would have been happier with his display back in international colours after the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s heroics helped them win the Copa last year and therefore qualify for this fixture.
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