Lionel Messi fuels Argentina’s phenomenal will to win.

Looking ahead to Argentina’s World Cup quarterfinal matchup with the Netherlands, Doha notes that the Dutch are a cohesive team that is on the rise and that Lionel Messi has the ability to completely alter a game on his own.

They have faced off against each other in the group stage, semifinal, quarterfinal, and final. Argentina defeated the Dutch in 1978, catching the big one. A 90th-minute Dennis Bergkamp wonder goal helped the Dutch defeat Argentina in Marseille under the scorching sun in 1998. And by stunner, gem, and worldie, I mean that it was.

The South Americans won 4-2 on penalties eight years ago at Brazil 2014, but the Argentinian team won after an acrimonious 0-0 deadlock after extra time.

The Netherlands are progressing, they are gaining momentum, and they are confident. After the USA victory, I even noticed that the tired cliché often used to describe Dutch teams from the past, “total football,” was being mentioned.

Additionally, Argentina as a whole possesses a remarkable will to win, inspired by Messi’s magic and the support of an absurdly large number of fans.

The Dutch are aware of everything and are ‘watchful’ while not being concerned about Argentina. Messi cannot be stopped.

The goal is to keep the ball away from him as much as you can before working your way back. If he actually has the ball, forcefully push him back and deep. Reduce his influence. It’s simpler to say than to do.