Lionel Messi Lionel Messi-ed Argentina into the World Cup Quarterfinals

For nearly two hours of play, Argentina and Switzerland struggled to create realistic scoring chances. Lionel Messi, the best player on the planet, looked like a mere mortal and penalty kicks looked inevitable.

Then the magic happened. The diminuitive superstar created the game-winning goal, slicing through the Swiss defense and finding Angel Di Maria, who fired it home.

The Swiss then came this close to leveling things up a few minutes later.

That’s either really bad luck or proof the Pope is an Argentine. Maybe both.