Messi’s hat-trick.Even while the hype around Euro 2012 was beginning to peak, Lionel Messi still managed to steal the show. In a “friendly” against Brazil in front of over 82,000 outside of New York City, Messi topped off an astounding season with a hat-trick against Argentina’s rivals. Argentina won 4-3 in a thrilling match. While often facing criticism for not playing like he does with Barcelona, Messi scored the first hat-trick for an Argentine playing against Brazil since Jose Sanfilippo in 1959. He ends his 2011/12 season with 82 goals for club and country, with his third and final goal of the day being particularly spectacular. There really are no words to describe this man at the moment; just watch and enjoy.
Wayne Rooney takes a break during an England training session ahead of UEFA Euro 2012 on Thursday. The English team will be without Rooney, who is serving a two-game suspension, but SI’s Grant Wahl still predicts them to reach the quarterfinals. (Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
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