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'He's completely possessed!': World reacts to Maradona's Messi goal reaction
Lionel Messi's first goal of the 2018 World Cup in Argentina's must-win match versus Nigeria evoked such an immense reaction from watching icon Diego Maradona that it convinced social media the 1986 World Cup winner was possessed.
READ MORE: The goat breaks his duck! Messi scores first World Cup 2018 goal
When Messi fired Argentina into the lead on 14 minutes, Maradona appeared to exert his emotions skyward with his arms outstretched, before crossing them across his chest as if to bless himself, and then roll his eyes into the back of his head as if possessed by an other-worldly force.
Twitter users were quick to pick up on the reactions of the former Argentina captain and number 10 to Messi's first beautiful strike. The current Argentina skipper brought Ever Banega's ball down on his left thigh, before firing the ball on his weaker right foot past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
Diego Maradona has been possessed.......by the spirit of Pablo Escobar. pic.twitter.com/fqFLCXIfEN
— Graham Kingsbury (@grayjam68) June 26, 2018
He's completely possessed! #NGAARG #Maradona pic.twitter.com/hTLGpf2DHU
— Bushra (@bubblybushy) June 26, 2018
Secret option 5: Maradona’s reaction that for sure isn’t chemically enhanced at all
— Jeremiah Davis (@jeremiahdavis10) June 26, 2018
The Messi goal and the Maradona reaction in the stands has made my day. How can you not love the World Cup.
— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) June 26, 2018
Messi!!!!! Look at maradona’s reaction!! What a start to the night!
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) June 26, 2018
After criticising #Messi , #Maradona on redemption mode after messi scores 😂😂😂😂He seems to be possessed, Any Voodoo Spell 🤣 #ARG #NGA #ARGNGA #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/mznbNh9AaH
— PiyushKaul (@piyushkaul) June 26, 2018
I don't who is possessed today. Messi or Maradona? #WorldCup
— Anish Anand (@testbowler) June 26, 2018
It’s exhausting being Maradona. pic.twitter.com/5n3xp8lUx5
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 26, 2018
Maradona shows more emotions in 60 minutes than I show in an entire week.
— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) June 26, 2018
The goal made Messi, 31, the first and only player to score in the World Cup finals as a teenager, in his twenties and in his thirties.
READ MORE: Mexicano Maradona?: Argentina icon declares his support for ‘El Tri’
Before the match, Maradona had declared his love for La Albiceleste by unfurling a huge banner of himself striking the now iconic pose holding his hands as though begging, wearing Argentina's second strip at World Cup Italia 90, complete with stained glass background.