Tottenham's Erik Lamela scores outrageos, cross-legged goal; sends soccer world into frenzy

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Erik Lamela of Spurs battles for the ball with Braian Lluy of Asteras Tripolis FC during the UEFA Europa League group C match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Asteras Tripolis FC at White Hart Lane on October 23, 2014 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (2014 Getty Images)

It’s tough to overshadow a hat trick, but Tottenham Hotspur’s Erik Lamela did just that when he upstaged teammate Harry Kane’s three goals with one of the most impressive strikes in recent memory.

The Argentinian midfielder outrageous "rabona"-style strike, wrapping his left foot around his right leg to strike the ball in from 20 yards, not only helped his English club team top Greek side Asteras Tripolis, 5-1, in the third round of Europa League group stage, but it also set the soccer world talking.

“My word. That Lamela goal was outrageous!!!” tweeted former Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

Former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker tweeted: "I've just seen Lamela's goal for Spurs tonight. Oh, I say!!! If there's a better goal scored this season than @Coco_Lamela's then I can't wait to see it...”

The "rabona" is considered a piece of fancy footwork employed during an attack, a method of faking out a defender. The kicking foot curls around the back of the other leg to strike the ball, so it almost appears as if the player is crossing his legs.

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It was first reported in match play in 1948 by Lamela’s countryman Ricardo Infante during a game in Argentina. The term was coined after Infante appeared on the front cover of a magazine dressed as a pupil with the caption "Infante played hooky" – rabona is a term used for skipping school.

Rarely is it used to score a goal, although it isn't the first time that the 22-year-old Lamela has been known to accomplish the sleight-of-foot. He did it when a youth player for River Plate in Argentina, the U.K.'s Daily Mail reported.