Football fans were given a rare honor of seeing the Lionel Messi of old in action as Argentina secured their second international trophy in less than a year. The 34-year-old put in a massive shift in Wednesday night's Finalissima, grabbing two assists to fire the Albiceleste to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Italy inside Wembley.
It was an outright dominant display by Lionel Messi who came into the encounter on the back of a tough season with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. Indeed, it did not take long for his impact to be felt, as the former Barcelona superstar will set up Lauturo Martinez for the game's opening goal inside the 28th minute.
Right on the stroke of half-time the Inter Milan striker got his second goal contribution of the night, assisting Angel Di Maria to double Argentina's advantage while the Italians struggled to find their feet. Messi continued to be mesmirizing throughout the reminder of the proceeding but could not grab a goal of his own. Eventually, he ended the night with two assists, driving through the middle of the defense inside the 94th minute before setting up Paulo Dybala for the Copa America holders' third goal of the night.
Before lifting the trophy for Argentina, Messi was named by the UEFA Technical Observer panel as the Man of the Match. "He controlled the game from the start to finish," the justification of the panel read.
"He showed great skill to lay on the assist for Lautaro Martínez, provided key passes for his team-mates and was unlucky not to score himself. He has put in a masterclass performance for the Wembley crowd. It was a joy to watch."
Below is how some fans reacted to the Argentine attacker's performance:
Messi under the lights of Wembley is a gift for football. The people in the stadium are yet to see a goal from him yet watched an absolute masterclass.
— (@TheEuropeanLad) June 1, 2022
Tells you everything you need to know about this player. pic.twitter.com/hRAF2hTbHU
That Messi performance was an exhibition in footballing brilliance.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) June 1, 2022
Messi is the goat of football but then again everyone already knows that.
— Conn (@ConnCFC) June 1, 2022
This performance from Leo Messi in the final is bigger than entire international career of certain obsessed self proclaimed goat
— ganesh (@breathMessi21) June 1, 2022
Put Messi in this season's Ballon d'Or conversation RIGHT NOW!
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku) June 1, 2022
Messi is the goat of football but then again everyone already knows that.
— Conn (@ConnCFC) June 1, 2022
This Messi performance is amazing…. people actually thought he was finished
— ym (@KieranCFC88) June 1, 2022
This Messi performance cleared any doubt I had in my mind that he is the undisputed greatest player ever to grace a football pitch
— Niyor (@NiyorATM) June 1, 2022
Commentator are saying we are witnessing greatness for this Leo Messi Performance
— ganesh (@breathMessi21) June 1, 2022
I've never seen anything live like that Messi performance. Nothing and no-one compares. Unreal.
— Chelsea Extra (@CFCExtra) June 1, 2022
Another Messi assist? Another day at the office.
— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) June 1, 2022
What a performance.