Messi drags Argentina to Russia, has sights set on Maradona
Argentina's path to qualification was rocky and the threat of missing out on the World Cup was real. The country was languishing in sixth place in the South American qualifying group and needed a big win in its final match to give itself any chance of playing in Russia next year.
Put simply, Messi stepped up in Argentina's hour of need.
The team travelled to Ecuador's capital Quito, which sits 2,850 metres above sea-level, and things did not start well. Just 39 seconds after kick-off, Ecuador scored an early goal through Romario Ibarra. If the scoreline remained 1-0, Argentina would have failed to qualify for the World Cup.
But then it was all Messi.
Messi equalised in the 12th minute, displaying quick feet and control of the football. He used power and pace to ram home his second in the 20th minute. And the third, which came 15 minutes into the second half, was a sublime chip as he lifted the ball beyond the reaches of Ecuador goalkeeper Maximo Banguera. The game ended 3-1.
Argentina rose to 3rd in the South American qualifying group and guaranteed itself a place at the World Cup next summer.
"There was always the fear of coming here to play," Messi told the press after the win. "Luckily, we could react and we managed to play well. It would have been crazy not to be in the World Cup."
The dream is still alive. Lionel Messi's senior career with Argentina has been fraught with some spectacular near misses, much sadness and plenty of frustration ever since the Barcelona forward made his international debut in 2005. But after another sublime showing on Tuesday night, it could yet enjoy a fitting finale.
With Barcelona, he has won it all and is considered the finest footballer in the history of the Catalan club. With Argentina, he has 61 goals and a record 21 in World Cup qualifiers, along with an Olympic gold, but still no major title to his name despite so many near misses. Many critics hold Maradona in higher regard as a result.
In Russia next summer, a date with destiny awaits and Messi's long-suffering story with his national team may yet have the happy ending it deserves.