‘Touch of Lionel Messi’ – How Argentina flanker Pablo Matera inspired surprise comparison with football icon during win over Wales

Argentina flanker Pablo Matera produced a moment of magic during the Quilter Nations Series win over Wales that inspired a comparison with Lionel Messi. The 32-year-old channelled his inner Messi to set up Mateo Carreras for a try on the stroke of half-time at the Principality Stadium. The Pumas eventually won 52-28, and that was undoubtedly one of the game's standout moments.

Pablo Matera’s moment of magic left TNT Sports pundit Dan Biggar in awe during Argentina’s Quilter Nations Series victory over Wales.

Such was the precision and composure on display, the Pumas man even inspired a comparison with Lionel Messi, one of Argentina’s most-famous sporting icons.

And it was all the more surprising given Matera stands at 6ft 4in and, as a flanker, is typically renowned for his brute force rather than his finesse.

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But on the stroke of half-time, the 32-year-old made a 30-metre break from a restart before spotting Mateo Carreras in acres of space on the left wing and producing an incredible left-footed assist that Messi himself would have been proud of.

Such was the perfection of Matera’s chip through, Carreras barely had to break stride to gather and finish the job by diving over for Argentina’s fourth try of the first half.

"Look at the pace," TNT Sports pundit Biggar began when analysing the try. "The awareness, knowing he’s got Carreras on the outside, knowing that he’s got the pace, that is absolutely pinpoint.

"A touch of Lionel Messi about him. Not quite as small as Lionel Messi, but just brilliant.

"That’s a tackle that needs to be made [so] Wales will be disappointed with that but just the awareness to drop it on the left foot, get the bounce and Carreras with the speed and power.

"It was a brilliant finish to the half for Argentina, who looked threatening the whole time."

Highlights: Wales suffer record defeat to Argentina as home drought continues

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The try helped the Pumas take a 31-14 lead in at the break, and they eventually wrapped up a record 52-28 win over Wales.

It was a perfect start to the Quilter Nations Series for Argentina, who round out their autumn with games against Scotland and England.

For Wales, it was not the dream first game under new head coach Steve Tandy, who lamented the "sloppy mistakes" his side made in defence.

It was a 10th successive defeat at the Principality Stadium for Wales, who also lost talismanic captain Jac Morgan to injury during the game.

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With the recent issues both on and off the field, though, few expect the fix to be quick.

"There’s lots to like and this group has been amazing to work with the first couple of weeks," Tandy told TNT Sports in the aftermath.

"It’s the beginning of a journey for us, but when you look at the intent of what the boys tried to put out there and the fight to keep going, there’s a really good team to work with."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Up next for 12th-ranked Wales is a meeting with Eddie Jones’ Japan, who are ranked one place lower. The outcome of that encounter could have big ramifications, with the draw for the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup fast approaching.

Wales will then finish their Quilter Nations Series against New Zealand and world champions South Africa.

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