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“Relax. I’ll Make it 3 For You” – Argentina Legend Recalls Lionel Messi’s Haul vs Arsenal in Champions League

Published 10/08/2023, 9:03 AM EDT

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When it comes to soccer legends, few names shine as brightly as Lionel Messi. One of Messi’s most iconic performances occurred during the quarterfinals of the 2009 Champions League when Barcelona faced off against Arsenal. While the match ended in a comfortable 4-1 victory for Barcelona, it was Messi’s brilliance on display that captivated audiences across the globe. Recently, Messi’s former teammate shared a hilarious anecdote about the Argentine’s unwavering confidence and determination to win.

Although it was a glorious Champions League night for the Barcelona, there’s a delightful twist to this story that involved an unexpected exchange between Messi and his teammate.

Recalling Messi’s masterclass performance

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In the quarterfinals of the 2009 Champions League, when Barcelona faced off against Arsenal, the Blaugrana were determined to qualify for the next round after coming back from a thrilling 2-2 draw in London. As reported by TN, former Inter Milan striker Diego Milito revealed an unexpected exchange between Messi and his teammate, Gabriel Milito, Diego Milito’s brother. As Arsenal took an early lead in the match with a Nicklas Bendtner strike in the 18th minute, Lionel Messi supported Gabriel Milito, as he was left fuming due to a rare defensive lapse.

Lionel Messi, known for his cool composure and determination, reassured his teammate about something that showcased his prowess. Diego Milito stated, “After the goal, Messi came up to my brother and said, ‘Gabi, relax, I’ll make it three for you today.’ Messi scored a hat-trick!”

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True to his word, Messi went on to score a mesmerizing hat-trick that night. His performance was nothing short of magical, leaving the Arsenal defense helpless. But the story doesn’t end there. As the match continued, and Barcelona’s dominance grew, Gabriel Milito approached Messi once more. Diego Milito added, “My brother went up to Messi and said: ‘Come on Leo, score the fourth and kill him off’. Messi replied: ‘Do you want another one? Okay. Then he went and scored the fourth.”

Lionel Messi’s performance against Arsenal is hailed as one of the greatest individual performances in Champions League history. The anecdote shared by Diego Milito gives us a glimpse into Messi’s incredible confidence. Even after Gabriel Milito made a mistake, Messi was confident that he could turn the game around.

Can Lionel Messi emulate his Barcelona form for Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami is one of the most anticipated signings in MLS history. Messi has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami, and there is no doubt that he will be the biggest star in Major League Soccer. However, it remains to be seen whether he can emulate his Barcelona form for the American club. After all, MLS is a different league, and Messi is now 36 years old.

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In order for Inter Miami to be successful, they need Messi to be at his best. However, it is important to note that the Argentine is not the same player he was at Barcelona. He is no longer as quick or agile as he used to be. Despite this, Messi is still a world-class player. He has incredible vision and passing ability, and he is still a deadly goalscorer. If Messi is able to stay healthy and motivated, he can still lead Inter Miami to success.

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While he may no longer be playing in the Camp Nou, the magic of Messi lives on, and now it has found a new home in Miami.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

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Written by:

Sahil Sharma

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Sahil Sharma is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. He's been a fan since childhood, but his love for the sport truly took off when Real Madrid won their record 10th UEFA Champions League title in 2014. That famous La Decima triumph turned him into a hardcore Madridista.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra