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Lionel Messi is the last man standing

Carl Recine / Action Images

And then there was one.

Coming into the 2014 World Cup three names dominated the headlines. Ronaldo, Neymar and Messi.

One by one they fell.

Cristiano Ronaldo was playing at less than 100 percent, far less in fact, and was tasked with lifting an abject Portuguese side. When Eder is starting in the World Cup, the writing is on the wall: Your team is terrible. Ronaldo’s men didn’t make it out of the group stage, and though his talents remain other worldly, the tournament was better off.

Neymar’s fate was far worse. Brazil, lifted by the emotional pull of their countrymen, survived through four rather uninspiring games. How they got to the quarterfinal didn’t matter, but once there, it began to come apart. Zuniga the destroyer ended Brazil’s World Cup dreams in Fortaleza. Brazil woke up without Neymar, and the destruction at the hands of Germany in the semi-final was the inevitable conclusion.

Messi was the last man standing.

He led Argentina to an efficient, if not inspiring, group stage campaign. Messi reportedly told Alejandro Sabella to ditch five at the back against Bosnia. That worked. He saved La Albiceleste from an ignominious draw against Iran. He made sure there wouldn’t be a blip against Nigeria and he did just enough to see Argentina past the Swiss and Belgians.

That wasn’t going to be enough. This World Cup was a now or never moment for Lionel Messi’s career. All the individual accolades and club success means nothing when the World Cup vacuum is turned on. Win it all or nothing. That's where the stakes were heading into Argentina’s semifinal against the Netherlands in Sao Paulo.

The ghost of Maradona wasn’t going to go away quietly. He loves the camera too much.

From the outset the Dutch plan was clear. Nigel de Jong was to man-mark Messi throughout. When de Jong was unable to get close, Wesley Sneijder would be there. Behind them was Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar, the man of the match by some margin after a heroic defensive display for the Dutch. Louis van Gaal’s goal was simple: Do no let Messi beat us. With Angel di Maria unavailable, that difficult mission became easier. Messi’s safety valve couldn’t be found.

[Courtesy: Marca]

Even when De Jong’s ailing groin forced his departure in the 62nd minute Messi couldn’t free himself from the Dutch shackles.

This was not a thrilling match by any means, but Holland’s defensive masterclass on Messi was the biggest takeaway. There were no answers through 120 minutes. Penalty kicks would decide which direction the ballad of Lionel Messi would take.

Vlaar inexplicably took the first penalty, and it was saved. From there it seemed already written. Messi buried his chance and his teammates, led by goalkeeper Sergio Romero, secured a spot in the World Cup final. It’s 1990 all over again. Less New Order, more Iggy Azalea this time around.

It’s odd referencing a ‘final chapter’ when it comes to a 27-year-old footballer in the prime of his career, but Lionel Messi has achieved almost everything. Almost being the key word. World Cup glory is the last box unchecked.

Germany is the final boss in Lionel Messi’s quest for World Cup glory. This story has one more chapter. 

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