Under duress, Cao Baiming continued dribbling, even adding a feigned shot that nearly sent the several defenders in front of him to their knees.
*Don't worry, just wait, I'll feed you this ball no matter what!*
Cao Baiming thought to himself, even if Messi didn't want to accept the pass, he would still deliver it!
Dribbling horizontally, Cao Baiming moved from the left flank all the way to the right, executing a cross-over run with Messi.
However, the opportunities that Henry and Martinelli had just created were wasted. At this moment, their positions even overlapped, with all three now on the left wing!
Considering tactical balance, Messi had no choice but to run towards the right.
He simply couldn't understand the reason behind Cao Baiming's actions, currently acting purely on player intuition.
But what he didn't know was that at this very moment, no one on the entire pitch understood Cao Baiming. Everyone had a bewildered look on their faces, unable to comprehend what he was doing.
Especially Henry and Martinelli, who had just made their runs, were struggling with the question of who would receive the pass. They never expected Cao Baiming to not pass at all.
What was going on?
On the sidelines, Arteta's expression was the most exaggerated. His mind was filled with questions, almost as if three giant question marks were etched onto his face.
*Could it be his god-like understanding again? Something we mere mortals cannot comprehend?*
"Is Cao Baiming just kicking randomly? He had such a good opportunity and didn't pass?!"
"That was Henry up there!"
"Too selfish! He's a defender, how dare he!"
"That's too wasteful! Unforgivable!"
"He's treating the field like his own backyard!"
"I'm crying... wait!"
The fans began to voice their doubts, with some already openly criticizing him.
But soon, these voices were ruthlessly silenced!
On the field, Cao Baiming dribbled horizontally at the edge of the penalty area. Occasionally, one foot would step into the box, intimidating the opponents. Even with all their might, several defenders couldn't dispossess him.
The harder they tried, the more frantic they appeared!
Manchester United's captain, Maguire, cursed from behind, *What are you guys even doing? Can't even defend against one man with multiple players?*
In a fit of anger, Maguire personally intervened, adopting a posture like a professional wrestler, determined to bring Cao Baiming down.
Luke Shaw tracked back, and the midfielders began to retreat to cover. The left flank's defense was now extremely dense, and the opportunity Henry had created had completely vanished.
Cao Baiming remained unfazed, still dribbling seriously but refraining from shooting. No one knew what he intended to do!
But this uncertainty was enough to make the Manchester United players extremely nervous.
As is well known, Maguire isn't particularly adept at turning. Facing a nimble player like Cao Baiming, he would likely be helpless.
Fortunately, the intelligent Maguire had no intention of tackling this time; he planned to foul him!
He intended to use his body to block Cao Baiming's path and then try to win back possession.
Cao Baiming looked ahead, seeing the colossal figure slowly approaching, and had already figured out his intentions.
*He probably doesn't think he can dispossess me alone, right? Then his confidence must stem from another reason. What else could it be, he's definitely going to foul me!*
Cao Baiming's lips curled slightly upwards.
*Fantastic! It couldn't be any better!*
He had just wanted to test the upgrade effect of his new talent, "Penalty Area Hunter." If he didn't try to engage physically, how could he do it?
Maguire, at this moment, felt as strong as an ox but had no idea how terrifying Cao Baiming's physical strength was once he entered the penalty area!
Cao Baiming feigned indifference, continued dribbling, and simultaneously attempted to step into the penalty area.
Just then, Maguire suddenly lunged forward, blocking Cao Baiming's path and trying to prevent him from entering the box!
However, the "aircraft carrier" was ultimately a step too slow. By then, Cao Baiming had already placed one foot inside the penalty area, and a surge of power coursed through his body!
"Ding! Penalty Area Hunter activated!"
Maguire's expression changed drastically!
*Holy crap! What's going on!*
In an instant, his body felt as if he had crashed into an oncoming bus!
Although he hadn't exerted full force, he lost his balance and was shoved aside!
And this was with the "aircraft carrier." If it were someone lighter, they would have probably been sent flying!
"This physique...! Is he human!?"
Maguire's clumsy appearance after the collision was met with mocking from his teammates. Now the fans had a new meme.
Cao Baiming instantly gained shooting space. The path directly in front of him was clearly marked with the number 99, indicating a shooting opportunity. However, looking to his left, another passing route was gradually becoming clear!
The number on this route was 97. But following the direction, the right flank was as vast and empty as a green grassland, with Messi quietly positioned at the edge of the penalty area!
*It's Messi!* Cao Baiming's eyes flickered!
Without any hesitation, he used the back of his heel to powerfully flick the ball towards Messi!
The entire stadium erupted in screams, this time purely in amazement at the divine imagination!
Arteta covered his head with both hands, his mouth agape.
Messi's eyes lit up. Facing the rapidly approaching ball, he felt as if his body had become five years younger. Without any adjustment or need to trap the ball, he struck it with his left foot in a delicate chip shot!
The ball traced a beautiful arc into the goal!
"GOALLLLLL!"
The fans erupted in thunderous applause!
"Messi's first goal for Arsenal! What a master!"
"Beautiful!!!"
"Absolutely stunning! It's pure art!"
Messi's face beamed with a radiant smile.
Messi's shot ignited the youth of many fans, as if he had returned!
The commentator was rendered speechless with excitement, transforming into a Messi fanboy.
At this moment, Cristiano Ronaldo's expression became interesting.
However, soon some fans began to notice something and started to ponder deeply.
"Cao Baiming dribbled like that to create such a great chance for Messi. Do you think he did it on purpose?"
"This..."
For a moment, the entire stadium was stunned.
After the celebrations, the goalkeeper De Gea kicked off, sending the ball high towards midfield. He quickly ran forward, waving his hands and loudly signaling his teammates to charge forward!
*It's the final moments, let's score another one!!!*
Cao Baiming was still buzzing with excitement, happy for Messi's debut goal. At this moment, the ball was flying towards him!
The ball's trajectory seemed to be towards Bruno, not far ahead, only a few meters away from him!
"This...!"
A terrifying thought suddenly struck Cao Baiming's mind!
*Should I take a shot?*
He had originally planned to assist Messi for the final goal to end the match, but the approaching ball reignited his desire!
He still had system tasks to complete! Just one more goal would complete his hat-trick!!
He quickly glanced at the clock; only about thirty seconds remained.
"Whatever! Bring it on!"
After a moment of deliberation, less than a second, Cao Baiming had made his decision!
A wicked smile flickered across Cao Baiming's lips!