Supporters in Africa have showered praise on Lionel Messi after his exploits helped Argentina to defeat Netherlands 4-3 on penalties and reach the semi-finals of the 2022 Fifa World Cup finals in Qatar.
The 35-year-old Messi stepped up with another superb display as he set up Nahuel Molina to score the opener and then scored the second from the penalty spot.
Wout Weghorst grabbed a double for Netherlands for a 2-2 draw to take the pulsating fixture to penalties.
Messi once again found the back of the net from the penalty spot as the Albicelestes went on to win 4-3 and seal their place in the last eight.
Messi's overall performance, who has four goals and two assists in the global competition so far, has sparked a lot of debate on social media, with fans describing him as a player out of this world.
Incredible. Messi is the best player of all time. - Gregory Selbol
Inevitable simply inevitable! The best to ever play the Game. - Fartun Sharif Isak
Messi is indeed the best player in the universe. We are glad to be watching the GOAT OF FOOTBALL. - Pius Prince
This man is so incredibly always making a difference 🥰 - Justin Chidiebube
The greatest player of all time. Making the difference again someone else is warming the bench. - Dagbegi sports update
Messi is the best player in the world, and if you think I'm wrong then you are absolutely wrong 😄😂 - Freeboyset music
What a fantastic pass from Messi!✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽 A genius of an assist🔥🔥🔥 - Abdel Raouf Yessoufou
Absolute genius. Operates with a different sense. - Kwabena Ahenkorah
The guy is a genius. - Amoah Boateng Richard
Messi is just pure magic... I used to think it's a lie,but I believe he is not human. - Joseph Karoki
No word to even describe Messi again, what a player 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Messi is football. - Jafar Zakari
Football is in Messi and Messi is in football. - Konlan Robert Walter
He is football, Lionel Messi 🔥🔥🔥 - Nana Kwame Duah
He's out of this planet 🤫🤫🤫🔥- Hassan Raphinha Lewandowski
He's far far better than any player. What a leader Great player by all standards. - Edward Odame Asare
If Messi's performance doesn't excite you, then football isn't for you. Because he is football in person! GOAT. - Zuper Siciid Dhiif
Who needs help, call Messi he will assist you… the real GOAT - Kobby Ericsson
It's settled. No more argument, Messi is the GOAT. Now between Ronaldo and Lukaku, who's better? - Sam Sola Fide
That is why he is the Greatest Of All Time 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 - Amoh Destiny
When they only think football is all about goals come and study Messi as a course in football 😍😍.Real GOAT. - Rilés Zyan
That’s why he is the GOAT!!!!!!❤️😣😣 - Richard Pagez
Leo Messi always takes the first penalty despite knowing the possible embarrassment that could come with it. For him oozing confidence in the next penalty takers is more important than going for self glory [last penalty]. What a player 🐐 Win this for us!!! - Qwa-Jo Xavi
Messi just does his work. He does not seek to make the headlines. Everyone knows he is carrying the team, it would not take scoring the last penalty kick to make this true. - David AB
No player can compare to him, especially in this generation. He doesn't depend on goals alone, he creates and assists... He is simply Messi, the 🐐❤️... - Abdullahi Ahmad Ola
I love Messi so much. I am a Barcelona fan and also a Messi fan. All I want from him is to lift the World Cup and all his desire will be complete, in his career as a world-class footballer!
I always wish him the best of goodluck in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour! - Samuel Apollos
The World Cup is yours lil Man. Can't wait to watch you lift that trophy... Then I would compare you to Maradona. - Vince Uzor
With a penalty right? if it was Ronaldo, they would say he scores through penalties only... - Michael Mgbechikwere Ake
How is that a penalty,if it’s Ronaldo there will be cries everywhere, Messi is playing better now but it’s obvious they hate Ronaldo so much. - Aladesoyin Gerrard
Argentina cannot do without Messi... even if he doesn’t score he makes something out of it. - Hamidu Abdulai
"Messi is still alive... Argentina 🇦🇷 is still alive..." - @KofiCyrus11
Messi is a leader, Orator and a motivational speaker. Argentina is lucky to have him. @Vincentbrian
Really feel like it's destined to be the Argentina v Portugal final. Ronaldo v Messi, their last World Cups. Stage will be set for who is the best of all time. fredoanggriawan004
I repeat... No one comes close to Pele & Messi whenever the game of round leather ball is being mentioned... Let others take a well deserved cue while we analysis on the best... Justice for football... - Dada Oyinda
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