‘What a reverse pass’ – Lionel Messi’s magic assists Argentina defender Nahuel Molina’s first international goal in the World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands

Nahuel Molina picked the perfect moment to score his first international goal as he broke the deadlock against the Netherlands.

And it was none other than Argentina superstar and captain Lionel Messi who provided an ‘absolutely fantastic’ reverse ball to set it up.

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The Atletico Madrid right-back was in the right place at the right time in the box as Messi – who is fighting to finally win the World Cup in what could be his last shot – delivered a perfect reverse ball.

Stretching past Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, Molina pushed the ball past Andries Noppert, sending the Argentina fans into delight.

The match had been a lackluster affair until the 35th minute, but it was the South Americans who broke through the Dutch defence, sending them into the break.

“Well it was that Argentina right side that they probably showed more threat,” said talkSPORT commentator for the game and former England captain Stuart Pearce after Molina’s goal.

“What a reverse pass from Messi, picked the ball up from around 35 yards, crossed the pitch and without even looking up he saw the run and a wonderful toe finish as he came in but everything was done to Messi.

“His movement, he shot Nathan Ake, stopped him, did it again and a reverse pass which is absolutely fantastic. A glossy finish.

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Not a bad time to score your first goal for your country!

The winners of the encounter will face Croatia in the semi-finals, who beat Brazil on penalties on Friday afternoon.

And Pearce thinks Messi has more in his locker.

“The Netherlands have to make sure they don’t panic now, keep doing what they are doing, but close the right side,” he said.

“Messi seems to think something can happen on the right and he continues to gravitate there.”