Lionel Messi has delighted the fans in attendance at the NeoQuimica Arena with a highlight-worthy free-kick moments before the called off World Cup qualifying match between Argentina and Brazil.
The Argentineâs pre-game free-kick goal has gone viral on social media and now has over 7 million views on ESPN FCâs official Twitter account.
Messi practicing free kicks before the Brazil match.
No wonder they called it off đ˛
(via @fuboTV)https://t.co/NVfWavFAtf
â ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 6, 2021
Though it was just a warm-up stunt, Lionel Messiâs penalty shot was a thing of beauty as he still managed to hit the back of the net despite the ball scorching far left, almost outside of the goal area.
Unfortunately, the match still ended up being canceled due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
According to Brazilâs health agency, four English Premier League players â Aston Villaâs Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia and Tottenhamâs Giovanni Lo Celso and Cristian Romero, per the leagueâs protocolâwere supposed to be quarantined for â10 daysâ in a hotel before they participate in any match.
However, the aforementioned players still managed to join the Argentina squad, prompting officials to stop the game after seven minutes of pitch action.
Both players and game officials argued in the middle of the field and amid the intense exchange, a fired up Messi stressed that it doesnât make any sense suspending the match as they have already been in the country âfor three days.â
âWe've been here for three days,â Messi said to a group including officials per Marca. âWere they waiting for the match to start? Why not warn about this beforehand or at the hotel?â
âThey could have explained this and it would be sorted,â he added. âNow, the world is watching.â