Early in the match Messi carries the ball down the right and draws a foul, winning a free kick on the wing for Argentina and relieving pressure.

Messi advances in the attacking half and is brought down, earning Argentina a dangerous free kick and sustaining their spell of pressure.

Messi’s shot from the right side of the box is deflected and runs across the area, where Gabriel Mercado reacts first and pokes it in to put Argentina 2–1 up. The goal is credited as assisted by Messi from the set-piece situation.

Just after the restart Messi finds space on the right side of the box and hits a left-footed effort that is blocked by the French defense, but the loose ball leads directly to Argentina’s second goal.

Messi is fouled in the attacking half, once again winning a free kick as he tries to spark Argentina’s comeback.

From outside the box Messi unleashes a left-footed shot that is blocked by a French defender, with Argentina unable to capitalize on the rebound.

Messi drives forward again and is stopped illegally, winning yet another free kick in the attacking half as Argentina chase the game.

Deep in the second half Messi is fouled in advanced territory, earning a free kick that keeps Argentina probing around the French penalty area.

Messi receives a pass from Javier Mascherano in the center of the box and strikes with his right foot, but Hugo Lloris is well positioned to save in the middle of the goal.

Messi slips a pass into the area for Sergio Agüero, whose right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked by the French defense as Argentina push desperately for another goal.

Messi drifts to the right and delivers a precise cross into the box, where Sergio Agüero rises to head into the bottom left corner for Argentina’s third goal, making it 4–3. Messi is credited with the assist on Agüero’s late header.