The words of encouragement from Germany boss Joachim Low came to haunt Mario Gotze.
"Show the world you're better than Messi," he told the 22-year-old as he prepared to come on in the 2014 World Cup final with the game locked at 0-0 against Argentina. Ten minutes later, Gotze turned and volleyed Germany into a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina, winning the World Cup and launching himself into sporting immortality.
"Gotze is a miracle boy, a boy wonder. He can play any position up front," Low said afterwards.
It was to be another step forward in what promised to be a remarkable, once-in-a-generation career.