He worked his magic in the Round of 16 as well to lead Argentina to the quarterfinals, giving his compatriots the chance to enjoy another day of soccer joy and euphoria.

Lionel Messi, just when everything seemed impossible and Egypt was poised for perhaps the biggest upset of the tournament, set a historic record for assists and scored his 21st World Cup goal—his 8th this tournament—leaving Haaland and Mbappé at 7.

Who would have expected the GOAT to show such drive to reclaim the top spot? To act as if he had never climbed to the top of the world in December 2022?

And yet, if the world thought that Lionel Messi’s performance in Qatar was his best and that everyone didthey could to lift him to soccer’s Everest, at age 39, the God of the Argentines has returned even stronger.

And he has already surpassed his performance from the previous World Cup, having scored more goals before even reaching the quarterfinals!

He had 7 goals in the entire ’22 World Cup—the one where the Saudis… dared to mock and underestimate him, while this year he now has 8 goals—including a hat trick and a brace—among his “goals” against Algeria, Cape Verde, and Egypt.

And how far can he go? All the way to the end. Because the epic feat Scaloni’s team achieved in Atlanta sent a strong message to anyone who stands in the Argentines’ path from here on out. Just as England did at the “Azteca” a few nights ago.

Both teams still have a chance to reach the semifinals. That’s what we’re saying, anyway…

*photo source: AP