Lionel Messi led a wild dressing room celebrations with Argentina teammates after a crucial 2-0 triumph over Mexico in their second World Cup group game.
It was a make-or-mar game as Argentina needed to win to boost their chances of qualifying for round 16 of the tournament.
The team stumbled to a shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game, and another loss against the Mexicans would have doomed their chances in the tournament.
The Argentines started on a good note – a good buildup play, measured attacking pace, great composure on the midfield and clinical touches in the oppoonet’s half.
Despite their dominant display, they failed to break the goal deadlock and ended the first half on a 0-0 draw.
A draw would have left Argentina with a far slimmer chances to qualify to the next round. Hence, it was a nightmare after the first 45 minutes.
The Argentines deployed same energy in the second half, but they could not find the back of the net until the 64th minute.
Lionel Messi long-ranger broke the tie and changed the texture of the game. The 1-0 lead pulled the Mexicans out of their half and opened opportunity for Argentina to strike again.
This time, it was Hernandez with the goal, which doubled the lead and sealed the victory for the Argentines in the 87th minute.
It was a great relief for the team, who were coming under intense pressure as the game entered the 60th minute, with the scoreline still goalless.
After the victory, the players and team staff were spotted in wild dressing room celebrations. In a viral video which is available at the end of this post, they were seen standing on the sides with arms raised, some still in kit and other in the process of getting changed, with a chant being sung around the changing room.
On the center stage of the celebrations was a bare-bodied and smiling Messi, who participated actively in the wild celebration.
Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez was also spotted in the video jumping on the center console in excitement.
Other easily recognizable faces were Paulo Dybala and Nicolas Otamendi.
Mexico faces an uphill task against Saudi Arabia in their last group game. They must win if they want to stand a chance of qualifying for the round of 16.
Argentina, on the other hand, have closed in on qualification from the group but must win their last match against Poland to seal the round of 16 spot.
The reaction of Lionel Messi after the victory is a clue to his deep desire to make his mark on what is apparently his last World Cup campaign with the team.
A group stage exit would have been most disappointing for the seven times Ballon d’Or winner after the team was deemed a top favorite to win the competition.
Watch the video below:
