In the latter half of the second period, many things happened, including a mistake in the backfield that led to the opposing forward scoring a goal. Then, during the subsequent kickoff, they were caught off guard by a rapid counterattack, resulting in another goal.
In just three minutes, the opposition managed to equalize with two goals, much to the delight of Arteta on the sidelines and many of the executives.
However, the mistake was clearly a deliberate act of "letting" the other team score, a blatant display. While the opposing side might not have realized it, to Cao Baiming, it was far too obvious.
Arsenal did not back down either. Messi scored one goal in the 65th minute and another in the 85th minute, both from his familiar "Messi corridor." Henry, not to be outdone, unleashed a 40-meter long-range shot in the 87th minute, finding the back of the net.
This outside-of-the-foot volley was almost as spectacular as Cao Baiming's own efforts.
While not solely focused on his blacksmithing tasks, Cao Baiming was not idle. He achieved another hat-trick in the second half, bringing his total individual goal count to an astonishing ten, including those from the first half!
To outsiders, this statistic was terrifying. But if not for the hindrance of the task and the constant nagging and blabbering of the coach from the sidelines, this number could have easily been quadrupled or quintupled.
The final score of the match stood at 16:2.
At least the opposition wasn't blanked; they managed to score two goals, and their players seemed quite content with that.
This was Arsenal, after all, a devilishly strong team. It was high time they faced reality.
As the game entered its final seconds, Cao Baiming struck a powerful shot that rattled the goalpost. This was the second time he had hit the post in the entire match.
The other eight goals had all struck the crossbar.
With the resounding clang, the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.
A slight curve formed on Cao Baiming's lips. He was thoroughly satisfied with the outcome, which could even be described as perfect.
That last shot was fraught with immense risk. Had it not hit the frame of the goal, everything would have been ruined, and all his previous efforts would have been in vain. This gamble was incredibly significant.
True excitement stemmed from such actions. It was precisely this added difficulty that breathed life into his final task for this match. The task itself wasn't particularly difficult; without adding some personal challenge, what would be the fun in it?
The system's voice chimed in as expected, and Cao Baiming felt a sense of satisfaction.
Finally, he would have the chance to see what this talent was truly like. If it turned out to be just an ordinary talent, he wouldn't hesitate to vent his frustration at the system!
The players began to leave the field. As it was a friendly match, they shook hands and showed mutual respect.
Watching their favorite stars gradually walk off the pitch, the fans couldn't resist lining up to ask for their jerseys. Messi, naturally, was the most sought-after, as this was his home country, after all.
Only one person could possess Messi's jersey, so who would receive this honor had been decided before the match.
Cao Baiming was also surrounded by three or four players. This time, their expressions were not fierce but beaming with smiles.
Even the disappointment of losing the match paled in comparison to the excitement of getting an autograph from their idol at this moment.
However, compared to the unfamiliar faces before him, Cao Baiming cared more about the system's mission reward: a top-tier talent skill card, the ultimate prize for this mission?
Just how powerful could it be?!
He hastily signed a few names, barely registering what he was writing, only knowing it was in Chinese and in cursive. As long as the signatures looked somewhat similar, that was enough.
After getting Cao Baiming's signature, they eagerly rushed to find Messi and Henry. They wanted everything!
Seizing this opportunity, they were determined to get as much as they could and wouldn't let them go easily!
The business magnates looked upon this harmonious atmosphere with great satisfaction. As the financial backers behind the scenes, their capital might not even rival Cao Baiming's personal wealth.
Having finally dealt with all the formalities, Cao Baiming found Messi, who was currently resting and drinking water with his teammates.
"I'm leaving now. Goodbye, friend!"
Cao Baiming said directly. In the distance, Mike was already waving at him. The plane had been preheated and was ready, showing no intention of wasting any time.
"Leaving so soon? You just finished the game; don't you need to rest?"
"I'm not tired!" Cao Baiming replied decisively.
Seeing his demeanor, everyone was left speechless. He genuinely didn't look tired at all, not like someone who had just played a full match.
Why were his brothers so exhausted, yet he hadn't even broken a sweat?
Cao Baiming hugged his friends and walked back, also bidding farewell to the team coach.
Once on the plane, he settled into his custom-made luxury seat. His entire body relaxed, feeling incredibly comfortable!
The plane soon took off. It was only then that Cao Baiming remembered the system's mission reward. Now that he had private space, he couldn't wait any longer!
"System! What are the effects of the newly acquired talent skill card, 'God of Football'?"
"Ding!"
The sound came quickly, but after a long pause, there was nothing more. Had the system frozen?
Cao Baiming's expression turned doubtful. No way, this was the first time he'd ever seen this!
However, just then, the system's voice returned, with only about a five-second delay.
"...Interpreting the 'God of Football' talent for the host. This is an active skill talent card. Its effect allows for the free conversion of current attribute points. The conversion cap increases with the skill level..."
"The current talent skill level is: Level 1, with a conversion cap of: 100 points. Once activated, you can freely allocate points at any time and place during the cool-down period!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Baiming's face lit up with satisfaction. It was worth it; it was truly worth it!
This sounded incredibly powerful, truly powerful!
Imagine, during defense, converting a hundred points from other attributes to defense – wouldn't that directly double his defensive capabilities?
When intending to make a run with the ball, converting a hundred points to speed – who could possibly catch up? Not even Mbappé riding on Davies' back!
Thinking about it carefully, this talent was simply invincible!
No wonder it wasn't called a "free attribute conversion talent" but "God of Football." The reason was now clear!