100 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Lionel Messi
Argentina v Bosnia and Herzegovina
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™
Maracana, Rio de Janeiro
Group F
Argentinians crossed the Iguacu Falls en masse for South America’s first World Cup since 1978. They had immortal memories from that tournament, and they expected more from this one. Their confidence had one colossal cause: the left wand of Lionel Andres Messi.
It flashed its magic memorably in minute 65. Messi collected the adidas Brazuca in the centre-circle, side-stepped Muhamed Besic, played a one-two with Gonzalo Higuain, shimmied two Bosnians to their backsides and, from the edge of the box, curled it into Asmir Begovic’s net off the inside of the post. What proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory sparked wild celebrations among the 75,000 inside Brazil’s footballing cathedral, and long into Sunday night on Argentinians’ adopted holiday home: Copacabana beach.
