Lionel Messi Sends Argentina to 2018 World Cup With Brilliant Performance vs. Ecuador
Fernando Vergara/Associated Press
Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring Argentina’s second goal vs. Ecuador
There was no way the World Cup in 2018 was not going to feature Lionel Messi, arguably the world’s best soccer player.
On Tuesday, October 10, Argentina secured a win that qualified them for the next summer’s World Cup in Russia. Entering the game in 6th place with 25 points in the South American Qualification table, Argentina was one point shy of the Top 5 seeding. Only the first four teams are guaranteed a spot in the World Cup and the fifth place team has to play an additional play-off round to qualify. Beating a strong Ecuadorian team was no easy feat. They had to play in Quito, located in the heart of Ecuador, which has an altitude of 9,350 feet. Surely this was going to be a challenge for Lionel Messi and Argentina.
The game started off disastrously, as Romario Ibarra secured the host’s first goal within the first minute of the game. This however, didn’t stop the Argentinian offense. In the 12th minute, Messi equalized the game with a great pass from Angel Di Maria. Eight minutes later, Messi secured Argentina’s 2-1 lead with a rocket finish into the top left corner. Later in the 62nd minute, Messi once again proved that he is not human. His third goal for Argentina sealed a spot for them in Russia 2018.
Argentina, however, showed their flaws throughout the game. Argentina appeared to be “ceding ground and panicking when defending,” according to Miguel Delaney of the Independent.
Although Ecuador had 55% of possession during the whole game, Argentina had 13 shots on goal, 4 more than Ecuador did.
“Luckily the nationality of the best player in the world is Argentinean,” said coach Jorge Sampaoli. “I told the group: Messi did not owe the World Cup to Argentina, but football owed the World Cup to Messi. We should help him be in the World Cup.”
After making it to the finals in the World Cup in Brazil back in 2014, Argentina will surely be favorites to win this World Cup despite barely qualifying. Lionel Messi is the reason for Argentina’s world cup status. However, will he be as potent on offense as he was against Ecuador? Will he bring Argentina to World Cup glory next summer? The pressure lies on Messi as he will try to win Argentina’s third World Cup in Russia next summer.
