Like four years ago. Like so many other times. Like against PSG in 2012. Like against Chile in 2016. Leo Messi is an alien and when the mother ship returns to look for him to take him back to his planet, football will be forced to wear a black crepe for a long time. But there is a small circle painted with lime on the grass of the playing fields that humanizes it. Surely the only place where he is not entirely happy with a ball. It's Samson's hair. Superman's kryptonite. The coal of the Magi. The penalty point. From eleven meters some of the worst memories of the Flea in his entire career are born, fed again this Wednesday against Poland.
Not even surrounded by containers, the ones that make up the structure of the 974 stadium on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Messi was able to find enough peace to shake off a burden that has haunted him for more than a decade. Makkelie's was a poisoned gift, letting him open the scoring on a platter. Called up by the VAR for involuntary physical contact between Szczesny and Messi himself, the Dutch referee chose to point to the penalty spot even while watching on television an action that can never entail so much punishment.
Messi grabbed the ball and planted it, while Lewandowski passed his goalkeeper and whispered something in his ear. It worked because the man from Rosario clung to his confident shot, crossed at mid-height, and Szczesny read his thoughts, completing a stratospheric save. But Messi is no longer reviled in his country, winning the Copa América, his first title with the albiceleste, has stripped him of doubts and criticism alike. And the heat that he received from the public after his mistake confirmed it, dyeing the 974 blue and white practically in its entirety.
The one in Poland was the second maximum penalty missed by Leo in a World Cup, equaling the two of the Ghanaian Gyan, in one of the few negative records that he holds. The first took place four years ago, when he failed against Iceland on the first day of the World Cup in Russia, Argentina finally condemned to face (and lose) France in the round of 16. A rival that this time they will avoid thanks to his victory, more than fair, against Poland. The world champion is on the other side of the box. She is always a relief. Even for Messi.
Thus, the dream of winning his first World Cup, of finally getting rid of not being up to Maradona's standards -an entirely debatable statement-, is still more alive than ever. He missed the penalty but did not stop looking at Szczesny, trying to beat him every time he rode with the ball. But he had no luck.
This Wednesday glory was not reserved for the 10th. Fate awaits him in future appointments. This time she touched others. To Mac Allister first and, above all, to Julián Álvarez. The 22-year-old Manchester City forward signed the final 2-0 after receiving a pass from Enzo Fernández (21). The two, product of the endless River Plate quarry, form the connection that makes an entire country dream. In his sixth game with the senior team, Fernández started for the first time and received an ovation when he was substituted as if he had been wearing the albiceleste for a lifetime. Argentina's faith is endless.
