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#2 Lionel Messi- Argentina
It would be safe to say that Lionel Messi single-handedly schlepped the Albiceleste to Russia with a spectacular display against Ecuador in the final qualifying match. Messi scored a hattrick which proved to be the difference between the two teams on the night.
This is not the first time that Argentina has been pulled out of the pit of mediocrity by Messi. Though Argentina have a star-studded team with some fantastic individuals, they just don't seem to be able to play well together.
The story is similar to that of the 2014 World Cup's. Even though he could find himself having to be at his very best to help Argentina to success, he has proven that he is more than capable of doing it.
If this Argentina team do go the distance, Lionel Messi will have played quite a huge role in that.
