Messi's "7 Minutes of Miracle": "Witnessing the Right Foot of God"

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Football fans around the world are in awe of the magic of Lionel Messi, who has once again orchestrated a miraculous comeback and set numerous records. In this match, Messi led the winning goal with his right foot instead of his signature left, putting him on the verge of winning the MVP award for two consecutive tournaments.

Reporter Hong Seok-jun has the story.

[Reporter]

In his first-ever match against England, Messi struggled in the first half while operating in the center, facing intense marking from the opposition.

After conceding the opening goal in the second half, he shifted to the right flank, a move that proved to be a masterstroke.

Utilizing the space that opened up, he created constant opportunities with sharp crosses and passes. In the 40th minute of the second half, he assisted Fernandez's equalizer with a pass from the flank. Two minutes into stoppage time, with two defenders blocking his signature left foot, he delivered a perfect cross with his right foot to set up Martinez's winning goal.

It took the "God of Football" just seven minutes to create two goals.

[Messi/Captain of the Argentina National Football Team: It is a miracle that we have reached the World Cup final once again. I hope you enjoy it to the fullest.]

Along with the miraculous comeback, Messi set numerous records.

He became the first player to record a goal contribution in seven consecutive matches in a single tournament and extended his record for the longest streak of goal contributions, which began at the Qatar tournament, to 11 games.

He increased his all-time record for assists to 12 and his total goal contributions to 33.

With 8 goals in this tournament, he has surpassed Kylian Mbappe in assists to take the lead in the scoring race. He is now closing in on the "Golden Ball," which would make him the first player in history to win the World Cup MVP twice in a row, and the "Golden Boot," the only major individual honor he has yet to claim.

The world of football, including England captain Harry Kane, who bowed to Messi, paid tribute to him once again.

[Kane/Captain of the England National Football Team: Messi has proven it once again. He has clearly shown why he is one of the greatest players in history.]

[Henry: Messi is the past, the present, the future, and an eternal presence.]

[Ibrahimovic: I told you that you would see the "Left Foot of God." This time, you have witnessed the "Right Foot of God."]

Saying that "Maradona must be rejoicing in heaven," Messi dedicated the joy of victory to his childhood idol and now aims for a second consecutive tournament title, a feat even Maradona did not achieve.

[Who is ready for victory! Who will be the champion!]

[Messi/Captain of the Argentina National Football Team: I did everything possible to come to the World Cup in this form, and thank God, I was able to do it. I am truly happy. I am enjoying this moment.]

Reported by Hong Seok-jun | Video by Jang Hyun-ki | Graphics by Kim Ye-ji | Video courtesy of FOX Sports, Instagram @afaseleccion
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.