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This Alejandro Zendejas lob is the closest thing we have to Lionel Messi's iconic goal vs. Real Betis in 2019

U.S. men’s national team forward, Alejandro Zendejas, delivered a performance to remember on Saturday night, as Club América dismantled rivals Pumas UNAM 4-1 in a fiery Clásico Capitalino at the Estadio Azulcrema. 

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The USMNT attacker was at the heart of everything for Las Águilas, capping his night off with perhaps the best goal we’ve seen thus far in the Liga MX Apertura.

Watch: Zendejas goal vs. Pumas UNAM

The highlight of the night came in the 73rd minute when Zendejas executed a breathtaking lob over legendary Costa Rican and Concacaf goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Absolutely incredible.

The perfectly weighted finish doubled América’s lead and instantly ignited comparisons to Lionel Messi’s iconic chip against Real Betis in 2019. 

It’s not too far-fetched, folks.

Zendejas wasn’t done, though as minutes later — after forcing a foul in the box with a slick cut inside — he stepped up and coolly converted the resulting penalty to seal his brace. The 27-year-old now leads Club América in goal contributions this season with five goals and two assists in nine starts.

For the U.S. men’s national team, Zendejas’ form is also good news. Fresh off scoring the go-ahead goal in his start against Japan earlier this month, his hot streak is strengthening the case for another call-up in October. 

If Saturday’s performance was any indication, Zendejas is not just one of América’s brightest stars — he’s one of most in-form USMNT players right now.

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