Lionel Messi actually smiling during a Copa America match

With teammates around him who didn't play like garbage and the support of the crowd, Lionel Messi actually played like Lionel Messi in Argentina's 3-0 win over Costa Rica. And, just like the Leo that plays for Barcelona, he didn't look like the owner of a dog that somehow contracted feline AIDS and cracked a few smiles. Imagine that.

Granted, Argentina were just playing Costa Rica's U-22 team, but they had to start somewhere and they had to play well in order to avoid the Apocalyptic uprising that would have followed a group stage elimination. Now, they will play Uruguay, Chile or Peru in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Though Messi didn't score himself, he did create a number of chances and set up two of the goals. Amazing what the support of his countrymen both on the pitch and in the stands can do, huh?

Match highlights and the "Messi, we believe in you" banner right this way...

! It's Leg o time.

Photos: Reuters, Getty