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Published 06:04 1 Jul 2015 BST
Updated 07:48 1 Jul 2015 BST
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There was a particular moment that sparkled brighter than all the rest of his majestic constellation. It came in the build-up to his country's fourth goal.
In a rare moment of indulgence, Messi made fools of two defenders with a burst of acceleration, a strong shrug of the shoulder, and the most delicate prod of the toe.
It caused Bruno Valdez to comically scythe down his own compatriot Pablo Cesar Aguilar rather than the Argentine, who danced away oblivious to set up a chance.
One image captures the moment - and everything future generations need know about Messi - perfectly. It's the cruel beauty of genius meets normality, framed.
There's the quiet agony of Paraguayan mortals in the background; the dramatic cluster of twisted limbs at the centre of the piece; and Messi - zen and imperious.
The picture is both beautiful and brutal; chaotic and serene. It captures true genius in a single frame.

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