"Classic linkup", "Poetry in motion" - Fans hail 'connection' between Lionel Messi and Argentina star as they defeat Angola in friendly

Argentina fans were once again left in awe with Lionel Messi's ball-playing ability and also praised his linkup with Lautaro Martinez on the pitch. Fans hailed the attacking duo after they scored in the 2-0 win over Angola in an international friendly.

Mesi got his 401st career assist in the first half, with a stunning through ball played to Martinez. The Argentine striker made no mistake from a tight angle and made it 1-0 right before half-time.

The two combined once again in the second half, making it 2-0 in the second half. Messi got his 896th career goal by finding the back of the net after just managing to get back onside when Martínez played the ball.

The fans were delighted to see the two players combine on the pitch, with many claiming that they were the best duo in the world. Some posted:

ATL 1996 🇺🇸

@Futbol22T

Lautaro is so good in tight angles. The shot is dangerous even when it is not perfect because the keeper is not expecting it and often doesn't see it until late.

RangerX 🌊RIVER

@MaiTu2404

Lautaro cooking and Messi finishing… that’s football poetry in motion

nat die

@direumatteul

Classic linkup from those two. Messi makes the pass look simple and Lautaro finishes like it’s routine.

Mal

@UtdMaI

The connection between Messi and Lautaro never gets old. Pure chemistry and football poetry

Comrade

@comradeweb3

That link-up was filthy. Messi threading needles like it’s casual work and Lautaro finishing it off like a hitman on payroll. Argentina moving different tonight.

Lionel Messi has now scored 57 goals for Argentina since turning 30, a tally that would make him the nation's top scorer. In total, he now has 115 goals for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winners.

Lautaro Martinez hails Lionel Messi as the best player in the world

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez was asked earlier this year if he saw similarities between Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. He was quick to dismiss the suggestion, saying that the Inter Miami captain was the best player in the world and should not be compared with anyone. He said (via ESPN):

"For me, Leo [Messi] is incomparable, because Leo is and will always be the best player of all time. I'm not going to make that comparison. All I can say is that Lamine is an important player, we've all seen him, we all know him."

Yamal also dismissed the suggestions, saying that he does not compare himself to anyone. He revealed admiration for the Barcelona legend, hailing him as the best player of all time, and said:

"I don't compare myself with him. I don't want to compare me with anyone, and even less with Messi. That's something I leave to you. In the end, I only try to be better than yesterday. I admire Messi a lot, so I don't want to compare myself with the best player in football's history. I still haven't spoken with him in person."

Lionel Messi is set to remain at Inter Miami until 2028, after extending his deal at the club this season. He was linked with a move back to Barcelona, but has not shown interest in playing for the club again.