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Magical Messi has done it again! Cometh the hour, cometh the man! Argentina have kept their World Cup dream alive, after a telling victory in their do-or-die encounter against Ecuador, at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, in Quito.
The Ecuadorians stunned the world by taking the lead as early as 40 seconds into the game. Desperate for a victory, despite a horrendous start, Argentina were rescued by who else but Lionel Messi, who scored 2 crucial goals in the first-half to give his side the edge, before picking up an exquisite 3rd to wrap up one of the most influential hattricks in recent times.
The Albiceleste needed nothing short of a win to qualify, and win they did! The results of other concurrent games in the division also ensured that Messi and Co. will travel to Russia next year in a bid to win world football's most coveted trophy.
Understandably, Twitter went berserk as fans thronged to social media to voice their opinions. Looks like Lionel Messiah can do no wrong!
Argentina certainly needed something special tonight, and boy! did they luck out. Messi's hattrick only conformed to popular belief that Argentina's campaign, so far, has been a one-man achievement.
Notably, Chile crashed out of the World Cup at around the same time, after losing 3-0 to Brazil.
Fans took no time to realise that they had witnessed something special. On the brink of crashing out, under pressure levels befitting the bottom of the Mariana Trench, Argentina rose like Fawkes the Phoenix in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Most prayed that they would. Many expected that they would, but only a few thought it'd be this way. As 'King Leo' blew Ecuador away, the world was brought to its knees by a giddy mixture of sheer admiration and paralysis from repeatedly being struck by awe. With Messi, it's pretty much like lightning, eh?
The very thought that we might not have been able to see Messi in the World Cup next year caused waves of panic amidst his loyal fans. Argentina will collectively celebrate this thrilling victory, as their crown jewel outshone everyone and everything in his path.
Argentina finished their qualification campaign placed 3rd on the table, which sees them directly qualifying for the bonanza that will be the 2018 World Cup. It's in Russia, of course it's going to be a bonanza!
After that mesmerizing (Messimerising, rather) performance, Lionel Messi will only continue to be called the greatest in the world of all-time.
