9781422270745

DYNAMIC DEBUT Lionel Messi’s first venture into World Cup action for Argentina in Germany in 2006 quickly backed up the buzz that had been percolating around the talented teenager for quite some time. On a roster crowded with talent—he was a wildcard selection who didn’t break a sweat while left on the bench in Argentina’s first round-robin game—he made his World Cup debut in the 75th minute against Serbia and immediately put his imprint on the game. First, he assisted on Hernan Crespo’s goal that bumped the score to 4–0, and then he provided a glimpse of his quick-strike capability by taking a Carlos Tevez pass and depositing it in the back of the net to close out the scoring in the 6–0 victory. Just 18 years old, Messi was Argentina’s youngest-ever player to appear in a World Cup match. The performance generated high praise and earned him a start in Argentina’s next match against The Netherlands.

Lionel Messi made his World Cup debut against Serbia in 2006, where he came off the bench and delivered a goal and an assist in the 6–0 win.

10

World Class Footballers: Lionel Messi