New angle of Lionel Messi's incredible assist shows how special it was

Lionel Messi's brilliant assist in Argentina's World Cup quarter-final win over Netherlands has been made to look even better with a new angle.

Last week's controversial win for Argentina caused all sorts of conspiracies, with some people thinking FIFA were trying to hand the South Americans the cup.

'Hand' was certainly the key word when it came to the fact that referee Mateu Lahoz somehow managed to not give Messi a yellow card for the most blatant handling of the ball by an Argentinian forward in a World Cup since 1986, although this ref did at least give a free kick.

That led to Portugal players claiming that the referees were trying to make sure the PSG forward was going to go on and win the tournament, especially after they were knocked out in a match reffed by an Argentine official.

However, it wasn't his handball that Messi stole the headlines for, instead it was his contribution to the goals, as the South Americans took a two goal lead in the match.

The seven time Ballon d'Or winner scored the second from the penalty spot, after Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert had backed himself to save a spot kick ahead of the game.

But it was his contribution to the opening strike which really stole the headlines, with an incredible no-look pass to Nahuel Molina, which took out four defenders.

Now a new angle of the assist shows just how magical the pass was, with the nutmeg on Nathan Ake making the pass somehow even more perfect.

the greatest ever. pic.twitter.com/60Iow2q6GF

— L/M Football (@lmfootbalI) December 12, 2022

With a two goal advantage with just over 10 minutes of normal time left, it looked like Lionel Scaloni's side would progress with relative ease.

However, Louis van Gaal's side hit back with two late goals, from Wout Weghorst of all people, after the tall striker was thrown on.

The equaliser was a real moment of testicular fortitude, with Netherlands choosing a cheeky pass into the box from a 100th minute free kick on the edge of the area, instead of a shot at goal, with Weghorst stabbing home from close range.

It wasn't to be for the Dutch however, with Argentina eventually going through on penalties, and setting up their semi against Croatia.

Despite the game going in their favour, the 2021 Copa America champions were equally unhappy with the officiating in the match.

Lahoz handed out 15 yellow cards and one red card during the match, with Messi saying FIFA needed to review the official, which they did by sending him home before the semis.

Argentina weren't the only ones unhappy with the referee from their quarter-final game, with England fans equally outraged at Wilton Sampaio.

The Brazilian failed to spot a foul on Bukayo Saka, in the build up to France's opening goal, and didn't initially point to the spot for their second penalty, missed by Harry Kane, with the VAR official making him go to the screen to check it.

Despite Sampaio's performance, he still has a chance to take charge of the final on Sunday, with the 40-year-old one of the few refs who hasn't been sent home yet.