Three intricate turns which left the Belgium midfield chasing shadows were greeted with shouts of "ole" from the crowd and led to Argentina's first goal.
Unlike other teams Argentina have faced in this tournament, Belgium did not have a specific plan to contain Messi. With no man-marker he enjoyed the freedom to roam and express himself.
Even from the stands it was difficult to track his movement and the Belgians grew increasingly frustrated as he popped up all over the pitch, cunningly crafting almost all of Argentina's best chances.
In dazzling sunshine, roared on by fanatical Argentinians in the 68,000 crowd in the Estadio Nacional, Messi treated them to his trademark twists and turns and piercing passes that cut the Belgian defence open.
He had a quieter second half but demonstrated a side of his game that does not generate as many headlines, dropping deep to carry out midfield defensive duties and battling to win the ball off the Belgians.
Uncharacteristically, he also missed one golden opportunity when he had only the goalkeeper to beat.
Argentina had previously been mediocre at best, relying on flashes of Messi brilliance to get through games.
Their main tactic had been to get the ball and give it to Messi.
The big difference yesterday was that as Messi pulled the strings, the rest of the team contributed too.
Four years ago in South Africa, after a 4-0 hammering by Germany at the same stage of the World Cup, Messi walked off the pitch to a chorus of boos as he was blamed for the team's defeat.
Yesterday he creamed the applause as the Argentina fans sang his name.
They find themselves in the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 24 years and know that with Messi on song, anything is possible.
- Independent
