LIONEL MESSI was criticised for his controversial free-kick – as fans slammed him for “trying to pull a fast one”.
The superstar gave Argentina the lead with a superb goal against Cape Verde.
But the debutants equalised in dramatic scenes in Miami.
And as the clock ticked towards the end, the reigning World Cup champions were getting desperate for a winner.
But Messi went to extreme lengths.
Argentina had a free-kick and cult-hero Vozinha was still setting up his wall when the referee blew his whistle.
And with Vozinha all the way over on one post, Messi took a quick free-kick.
But the Cape Verde goalkeeper managed to fling himself across and make the dramatic save.
And the incident sparked outrage on social media.
One fan blasted: “Messi tried to pull a fast one. Almost pulled it off.”
Another blasted: “Ref tried so hard to give Messi a freebie.”
And a third moaned: “Messi ordered a goal, Vozinha cancelled the delivery.”
Although the ref did blow his whistle, it is unclear if the cheeky attempt would have been allowed to stand had Messi scored – as Vozinha was clearly not ready.
Vozinha had already taken the World Cup by storm after his group-stage heroics.
He kept a clean sheet against Spain and helped his side go unbeaten through the groups.
His unexpected rise to stardom saw him overtake Tom Brady for Instagram followers – and is now up to 18million.
Vozinha kept it at 1-1 until extra-time before Lisandro Martinez made it 2-1.
However, Cape Verde equalised again in unbelievable scenes as Sidny Lopes Cabral curled in a stunning wondergoal.
But with nine minutes of extra-time remaining, Cristian Romero headed Messi’s corner in to win it and break Cape Verde’s hearts.