Messi magic assists Molina's first international goal in World Cup quarter-final

And it was none other than Argentina superstar and captain Lionel Messi who provided an 'absolutely fantastic' reverse ball to set it up.

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The Atletico Madrid right-back was in the right place at the right time in the box as Messi - who is fighting to finally win the World Cup in what could be his final shot - delivered a perfect reverse ball.

Stretching beyond Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, Molina prodded the ball past Andries Noppert, sending the Argentinian supporters into raptures.

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The game had been a drab affair up until the 35th minute strike, but it was the South Americans who broke the Netherlands backline down, sending them into the break ahead.

"Well it's that right-hand side of Argentina that they've probably shown more threat," talkSPORT's commentator for the game and ex-England captain Stuart Pearce said after Molina's goal.

"What a reverse pass from Messi, picked the ball up some 35 yards out, drove across the pitch and without even lifting his head up, he's seen the run and a wonderful toe-poked finish as it's gone in but everything was done to Messi.

"His movement, he pulled Nathan Ake around, stopped him, started him again and a reverse pass which is absolutely fantastic. A brilliant finish."

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Not a bad time to score your first goal for your country!

The winners of the tie will go on to face Croatia in the semi-finals, who beat Brazil on penalties on Friday afternoon.

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And Pearce thinks Messi has more in his locker.

"Holland have got to make sure they don't panic now keep doing what they're doing but shut up the right hand side," he said.

"Messi seems to think something can happen on the right and he keeps gravitating towards there."