The Messi goal

The assist was supplied by another Argentina stalwart in the 126-cap Angel Di Maria. Messi controlled the pass from his long-time oppo, roughly 22 yards from goal. Mexico, perhaps not fully switched on to the danger, were slow to close the seven-times FIFA Ballon d’Or winner and how they will regret their hesitation.

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was hitherto unbeaten in Qatar. The strike, then, needed to be true and accurate – and Messi’s crisp shot met both criteria, scooting inside Ochoa’s left post. The unthinkable prospect of Messi’s attempt to win a first World Cup going south after two matches was banished with one swipe of the most famous left foot on the planet.