FIFA WORLD CUP: ARGENTINA’S INSPIRATION CONTINUES TO BE THE EVER-PRESENT MESSI

Lionel Messi was once again omnipresent that evening, weaving intricate ripples in confined places and forging channels for the ball to travel where none previously existed. He missed a penalty, however, and he didn’t score. He is no longer the brash young inventor scurrying all over the field controlling the game with his magnetic legs, but he is still the driving force while on the field. He now generally strolls, never presses, and occasionally runs in 10-yard bursts.

When Messi’s penalty was saved in the 40th minute at Stadium 974, it appeared as though the stars were not in the proper place. Wojciech Szczesny’s powerful right hand did credit to the soft spot kick that the referee had given for a milder brush by the goalie on Messi’s forehead. The Argentine captain fell to the ground but quickly got back up since he is skilled at theatrics (Neymar is not the only one).

The atmosphere in the stadium was eerie, the supporters were on edge, and these days the invisible scimitar of witnessing Messi play one final time hangs in the air. But everyone wants more, including Messi, who is looking for the most important title.

Messi and Angel Di Maria, the team’s seniors, found their years-long chemistry once more to push back an unprepared Poland that failed to use its own talisman throughout Argentina’s first 45 minutes of play. Few balls made it that far for Robert Lewandoski up front as Poland defended against this unrelenting Argentine onslaught. Only four shots were taken by the European squad compared to 23 by Argentina, and none were successful.

However, there were no goals scored, so the atmosphere was tense, and Argentina came out early, prepared to do the job.

They trudged out at least two minutes late, and the Poles made them wait. But the goal arrived faster thanks to Scottish and Irish native Alexis Mac Allister’s errant contact with a Nahuel Molina cutback.