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Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Messi's last experience here wasn't pleasant. His last experience meeting Lance wasn't pleasant either. These could all be considered Messi's nightmares.
What made it even more painful for him — an introverted personality — was that before the match, Lance actually came up to greet him.
"Hey, Leo."
"Hey."
As opponents, the two weren't true sworn enemies with deep-seated hatred. You don't hit a smiling face. Lance greeted him warmly, and Messi couldn't bring himself to refuse, so he awkwardly high-fived Lance.
"How's your preparation going?"
"It's alright."
Lance actually made small talk like a regular friend? What the hell?! Are you here to make fun of me?
Messi couldn't help but glance up at him. Yet Lance's eyes showed no negative emotions — no ridicule, no sarcasm, no disdain. This guy's eyes were as clear as ever.
Indeed, introverted personalities find that quite interesting. Even someone as strong as a Ballon d'Or winner, a six-time Champions League winner, the former world number one — Messi — still acted very unnaturally in front of him.
Messi had started growing a beard by now, showing a certain world-weariness and maturity. However, there was still a certain gap compared to the kingly aura he possessed during the 2022 World Cup in Lance's memory. Standing next to him, there was no pressure at all.
Of course, considering the controversy surrounding Messi's later trip to Hong Kong — regardless of whether it was an issue between his agency and the local organizers — just looking at Messi's own performance, Lance didn't need to be overly enthusiastic.
After a simple greeting, Lance turned and left as if he were a passerby.
Messi first breathed a sigh of relief, then felt that something was off. As a Ballon d'Or winner and the world's number one, did he really hold no weight in the eyes of this man?
Lance himself never expected that his unintentional actions had already shaken the resolve of this world-class superstar. Losing so many matches wouldn't shatter it, but it might not be far off...
"Less than a week ago, the two sides had just settled the score in La Liga."
"Atlético Madrid defeated Barcelona 3-0 at Camp Nou, reclaiming the top spot in La Liga and gaining the initiative in the title race."
"Now Barcelona's La Liga title is increasingly distant, and they face a formidable opponent in the Champions League semi-final..."
CCTV5 commentator Duan Xuan arrived in Madrid today. Sitting in the media section of the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, he partnered with Coach Gong Lei to commentate on this important Champions League semi-final!
Duan Xuan was extremely excited. He had been to Spain many times and had commentated live on many occasions. But this was the first time he was this close to Lance!
Earlier, joking with Coach Gong, he had said:
"It's hard to imagine what our football would be like without Lance stepping up..."
The National Football Team had experienced the darkest hour of a 1-5 defeat to Thailand. Evergrande twice winning the AFC Champions League seemed glorious, and Chinese football seemed to show signs of rising... But! Anyone familiar with the football world knew this was just one last burst of madness. The National Football Team was reportedly bringing in Lippi as manager, but no one expected Lippi to truly turn things around.
So, everyone could only find a glimmer of pride in Lance. If even this bit was missing, it would truly be despairing.
Coach Gong Lei, however, was more optimistic.
"It will probably be difficult to get started in the next few years, or even ten years. But I believe Lance's influence as a role model is very strong. Children will start to like him and try to get into football. More and more people will get involved. Perhaps one day in the future, when the environment is right, we will truly see the dawn."
Duan Xuan covered his face and shook his head.
"I don't have that much confidence."
After chatting for a long time, Duan Xuan heard the director's reminder in his earpiece. The commercial break was about to end, and the live broadcast signal would switch to the stadium. The two instantly returned to work mode and began commentating on this Champions League semi-final!
"Kick Barcelona, kick Barcelona, kick Bayern Munich —"
"My club has collapsed —"
Countless fans in China listened to the familiar melody and, with nervous excitement, saw Lance's face on TV.
Lance, Messi. Two world-class players led their respective teams onto the field. Two teams more than familiar with each other were about to embark on another fierce battle for survival.
Pre-match handshakes, photos, coin toss, team talks, starting lineup introductions — these routine procedures quickly passed. The starting lineup was no surprise, identical to the previous match. Fortunately, neither side had suspensions or injuries. Everyone could face off with their strongest main lineup, and even if they lost, the losing side would have no excuses.
Messi led the MSN Trio and a top-tier midfield, against Lance, Torres, and Griezmann — an elite European attacking line with veterans guiding new talent.
Beep.
As the whistle sounded, both sides were bristling with hostility, ready to erupt!
..."Lance, oh? He's very active today! Beautiful!! A continuous wall pass with Koke in midfield!"
"Long pass to the right wing!!!"
"Saúl!!! A cut-back pass!"
"Torres —"
"Ter Stegen parries the ball!"
"Barcelona's quick counter-attack, Busquets to Rakitić, Rakitić lobs to Messi!"
"Messi drops back... Beautiful!! A clever backheel flick —"
"Suárez!! Shoots!!"
"Oblak —"
Enemies meet, and eyes turn red!
Atlético Madrid and Barcelona upped the tempo from the very first minute. Barcelona, who originally dominated with their possession, also went all out, not starting with slow-paced buildup. Instead, they joined Atlético Madrid in playing fast, penetrating counter-attacks. The match was almost like a Premier League game, with constant turnovers and attacks. Even with the score at 0-0, neutral fans felt it was too exciting! Let alone the fans of both teams! Everyone's heart rate was soaring!
"Lance!!! Beautiful!!! Great first touch and turn!"
Lance's off-the-ball movement had improved too quickly! His flexible runs in the attacking third made Barcelona's previously solid defense ineffective! Limit Lance, and he'd create danger with his ball retention and dribbling. Limit his teammates, and Lance could still find opportunities with his runs! Barcelona didn't know how to defend for a moment!
Is he human? How exactly do you defend him?
"25 minutes into the first half, both sides have created several chances."
"Barcelona's front three, the MSN Trio, are very active. Suárez almost scored again just now..."
"Now it's Atlético Madrid's counter-attack!! It's Lance again!! Great play!"
"Koke lobs a pass, Lance controls and dribbles past in one motion!!"
A clever instep flick — [Nagi Seishiro] muscle memory activated. Lance dribbled past Rakitić with a series of feints and touches, and suddenly unleashed a powerful long pass!
"Torres!!! Volley shot!!"
"It's a goal!! In the 26th minute of the first half, Atlético Madrid breaks the deadlock!"
"Lance's Curved Moon Scimitar — a precise long pass from the right side of the attacking third, caught Barcelona off guard! Assisting Torres!"
"1-0!"
The stadium erupted. Duan Xuan, in the media section, felt the table and chairs tremble! Such a grand spectacle — this is Lance's charm! This is the king of the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium!
Watching Lance and Torres, the former "El Niño" and the current king, hugging in celebration on the field, Atlético Madrid fans were almost in tears. This is the legacy of Atlético Madrid!
Duan Xuan waxed poetic, explaining the magnificent goal on the replay. How incredible Lance's long pass was needed to be broken down and explained clearly to the fans. As he was chatting with Coach Gong Lei, an even more explosive cheer suddenly erupted around them!
Duan Xuan looked up at the field!
"What? Another goal is coming!"
Barcelona, who had just conceded, kicked off first — so how had it turned into an Atlético Madrid attack? They had already pushed to the edge of the penalty area. On the left, Griezmann suddenly dribbled past with a step-over and cut back to an open space in the box.
Lance ghosted in unexpectedly!
Flying through the air like an acrobat, he struck a mid-air bicycle kick, smashing the ball into the net!!
Two goals within one minute!!
"Holy crap!!"
Duan Xuan couldn't help but curse! What's going on? This is the Champions League semi-final, and Barcelona has put in their full effort! Atlético Madrid is actually tearing through them like slicing vegetables, launching a devastating attack!
2-0!
27 minutes into the first half, two goals ahead of Barcelona!
Lance, with an assist and a goal, jumped into the air, pumping his fists!
At this moment, only he shone throughout the entire stadium!