‘We take him for granted’: FOX Sports analysts lavish praise on Lionel Messi and insist fans must ‘savor’ his presence, as Clint Dempsey hails his ‘remarkable’ World Cup after booking Argentina’s place in the final
FOX Sports’ World Cup analysts have spoken glowingly about Lionel Messi following his game-breaking performance to book Argentina’s place in the Qatar 2022 final.
Messi scored from the penalty spot and assisted the third and final goal, ensuring their berth in the final two.
Despite his standing within the game, former USMNT and Rangers star Maurice Edu believes the 35-year-old is under appreciated.
Lionel Messi celebrated joyously with his teammates in front of the jubilant Argentina faithful
‘I think at times we take him for granted, how special he is and just how rare of a breed that this man is,’ Edu said.
‘So, we gotta enjoy these moments and savor them. He has a final to look forward to, and listen, what a moment it will be to see if we get to witness him hoisting that trophy.’
Former USA stalwart Clint Dempsey concurred, suggesting the little Argentine has stolen the spotlight away from France’s main threat — who has a chance to make his mark tomorrow in the other semi-final.
The little maestro’s successful penalty gave the Argentines the breakthrough against Croatia
‘Everyone’s talking about Kylian Mbappe but Messi’s saying “Hey, well, not so fast!”‘ Dempsey remarked.
‘Five goals, three assists, carrying his team on his back. Doing it in the knockout rounds, on the big stage, doing it at 35. I mean, he just does it year, after year, after year…It’s just remarkable.’
Joining in on the Messi fanfare, Alexi Lalas reflected on the varying attitudes and performances of the PSG man in Qatar – as he readies for his second World Cup final in three tournaments.
Maurice Edu (L), Clint Dempsey (C) and Alexi Lalas (R) were
Messi set up Julian Alvarez (C) for their third goal, also celebrating with Alexis Mac Allister (L)
‘We’ve seen the multiple faces and multiple facets of Messi. Tonight, [he] was greater than anybody on the field,’ Lalas said.
‘And there was no doubt who was the master of what was happening on the field. That man seems very, very comfortable in his own skin but also very, very comfortable in this version of this team.
‘And keep in mind he’s been to a World Cup final before.’
Messi and Argentina lost in their most recent World Cup final, defeated 1-0 by Germany, thanks to an 113th minute Mario Gotze winner.
Messi was not only lauded by the FOX Sports analysts, but the crowd inside Lusail Stadium
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