Lionel Messi’s assist to Nahuel Molina for Argentina’s first goal against the Netherlands at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday made him the player with the highest number of assists in the FIFA World Cup knockouts since 1966. He overtook Diego Maradona, the former Argentina player and footballing legend, who had 4 knockout stage assists in the World Cup be claim the top spot. 

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Messi’s assist ensured that Argentina took an early lead in the 33rd minute and ended the first half of the match with a lead. 

The Argentine superstar is currently 35 years old and is playing his last FIFA World Cup 2022. After losing out in the final back in 2014 against Germany, he will look to clinch the FIFA World Cup, the only title missing from his illustrious trophy cabinet.

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If they manage a win today, they will be facing Croatia who won against one of the favourites of the tournament, Brazil, to advance to the semi-final earlier today. 

When Argentina last won the FIFA World Cup in 1990, they won in the final against a Dutch team led by Dennis Bergkamp. Again in 2014 when Messi and co reached the Brazil final, they won in the semi-final against the Dutch, who were the 2010 FIFA World Cup runners-up.

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The two teams have a long history in the tournament and as the match unfolds, all that will come alive among the fans of both teams. However, if either of them can win the match today, they will again have a shot at the semi-final.

Which team will be able to do it? Only time will tell.