Messi is fouled early in the match, drawing contact and stopping Brazil’s attempt to break. His control in the opening minute immediately forces Brazil into a defensive foul.

Messi wins a free kick on the right wing after carrying the ball and drawing a challenge. His movement and close control earn Argentina a promising set-piece opportunity.

From a set-piece delivery, Messi swings in a ball that finds Otamendi in the box, whose header from the centre flies just wide to the left. The play shows Messi’s early influence with his dead-ball service creating a clear chance.

Otamendi’s header from Messi’s set-piece goes narrowly wide of the left post, a significant missed opportunity stemming directly from Messi’s delivery. Argentina comes close to taking the lead off Messi’s created chance.

Play is delayed due to an injury to Messi, who goes down and needs attention before continuing. The pause underlines the physical intensity of Brazil’s marking on him.

Messi unleashes a left-footed shot from outside the box after a layoff from Julián Álvarez, but the effort is blocked before it can trouble Alisson. The move highlights Messi’s willingness to strike from distance despite tight Brazilian pressure.

Messi is substituted off in the 78th minute, with Ángel Di María coming on to replace him. After 77 minutes of leading Argentina’s attack, he leaves to a reshuffled frontline.