Formula 1 star driver Max Verstappen once again surrendered to the greatness of Lionel Messi as he recalled the iconic assist the Argentine captain delivered to Nahuel Molina during the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals against the Netherlands.
For the Red Bull Racing driver, what Messi does on the pitch simply has no defense. Verstappen analyzed the play with deep admiration, highlighting the Argentine’s unique vision and decision-making in high-pressure moments.
Verstappen’s praise for Messi
“He knows how to read the game,” Verstappen said. “There are many players who need to run or create space to score, but he doesn’t.”
The Dutch driver went even further in his praise: “He can score from anywhere, at any moment. You think you can stop him, but you can’t. He always finds the opportunity.”
“You simply can’t defend that,” became one of his most powerful takeaways when describing Messi’s brilliance.
That unforgettable clash between Argentina and the Netherlands ended 2-2 and was decided in a dramatic penalty shootout, where Emiliano Martínez once again emerged as the hero, sending Argentina into the semifinals under Lionel Scaloni.
The Argentina vs Netherlands rivalry has since cemented itself as a true World Cup classic, with iconic battles spanning from 1974 to 2022, many of them decided in crucial knockout stages.
This isn’t the first time Verstappen has praised Messi. Back in 2022, when comparing him to Cristiano Ronaldo, he made his stance clear: “Messi has more talent.”
Even so, Verstappen also acknowledged the Portuguese legend’s dedication: “Cristiano has worked incredibly hard and has stayed in unbelievable shape.”
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