Lionel Messi saved the day for Argentina for the umpteen-millionth time in his career on Saturday night.The pressure on the South American champions weighed heavy in the air as they went into their second group stage match with Mexico knowing that defeat would see them suffer the unlikeliest of eliminations.Having entered the tournament chasing the world record for the longest unbeaten run in men's international football history, Lionel Scaloni's men suddenly found themselves fearing two defeats on the spin.The catastrophic 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia had, after all, taken the wind out of their sails and left fans who had tipped them to go all the way in Qatar questioning their convictions.However, much like Spain's great champions of 2010, Argentina used their opening match defeat as motivation to get back on track, alleviating the pressure on their shoulders with a crucial 2-0 win over Mexico.Check out our World Cup hub
Did Messi score vs Mexico?
And while it was a stunning finish from Enzo Fernandez that truly wrapped up the three points, it was Messi's sizzling strike that initially broke the deadlock and allowed every Argentina fan the world over to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
A finish of laser-like accuracy that flew past Guillermo Ochoa's reach, Messi's game-changing goal truly did feel like a watershed moment that could well lead to Argentina re-establishing themselves as World Cup contenders.
It's a goal that you've probably seen about 15 times already and no doubt from 10 different angles to boot, but there's a good chance that you still haven't spotted the true beauty of the moment.
That's because the one thing better than Messi's strike was the celebration that came with it.
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How did Messi react to his crucial goal?
In brilliant pitchside footage which has since gone viral across social media, the true extent of what it meant for Messi to score a goal that essentially saved his final ever World Cup campaign was clear to see.
Once the initial rush and hugs of celebrations that you no doubt caught in the television broadcast had dissipated, Messi can really be seen soaking up the emotions of the moment in the superb clip from just feet away.
Pumping his fists and shouting in a way we seldom see from the Barcelona icon after scoring, the Argentina skipper proceeds to salute those in the stands cheering his name with clear emotion in his eyes.
It really is a fantastic illustration of just how much this entire 2022 World Cup journey means to one of the greatest sportspeople in history, so be sure to check out the clip for yourself down below:
Video: Messi lets out his emotions with goal celebration
Look at what it means. Pure, raw emotion.
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For a man who usually keeps things cool, calm and reserved when he finds the back of the net, Messi really does soak up the emotions of the moment when it comes to key goals for Argentina.
Whether it was the joyous celebrations of the 2014 semi-final win or the unadulterated ecstasy of winning the Copa America last summer, you'd be mad to claim that Argentina means anything less than everything to Messi.
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When do Argentina play next?
There is, however, still work for Argentina and Messi to do before they can say that they've fully bounced back from the Saudi Arabia loss as they hope to securely progress to the second round.
The Copa America winners will be play their third and final match in Group C against Poland on Wednesday, November 30 at 19:00 (GMT) in Stadium 974.
If Argentina are able to win the group, then they will face the runners-up of Group D on December 3, otherwise they face a clash with the winners of Group D the following day.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group C - Argentina v Mexico - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - November 26, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
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