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Lionel Messi has only one step left to reach the top of the World Cup by performing a one-man show in every match.
He runs the least on the team, and he's the slowest, and he's incredibly destructive.
This is reporter Joo Young-min.
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Messi showed something when he caught the ball.
He hit the ball at his feet and ran, drawing fouls from the Croatian defenders.
In the 24th minute of the second half, he hit from near the center line and led Argentina's third goal, which was the highlight.
By adjusting his speed and changing direction in an instant, he made fun of Croatian 20-year-old Gvardiol, who is rapidly emerging as the best centre-back.
Messi makes the most of the highlights of every game like this, but he's actually the least run and slowest of his team.
Messi's distance traveled against Croatia was 8.2 km, the shortest among full-time field players, and he walked more than half of the 4.8 km at less than 7 km per hour.
Top speed was 28.9 km/h, second only to defender Otamendi.
However, once you catch the ball, you create opportunities with unpredictable speed, change of direction, precise passing, and one-time quick shot.
[Lionel Messi/Argentina National Team Striker: We know when and how to occupy the ball.
You have to know when to press and when to back off.]
Messi, who is playing full-time in all 5 games of this tournament while arranging his stamina, is tied for the lead in both categories with 5 goals and 3 assists, and tied the record for the most with Ronaldo and Klose with 19 attack points in the World Cup total. .
Even at the age of 35, Messi, who is writing history with thorough self-management, is only one step away from reaching his last goal, the World Cup throne.
(Video editing: Oh Young-taek)