Lionel Messi Strikes Again To Lift Argentina Into The Qualifiers

Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the 16th minute and lifted Argentina to a 1-0 win over Chile in The South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Messi has again taken his national team back to qualifying spots for next year’s finals in Russia.

Chile’s Jose Pedro Fuenzalida brought down Angel Di Maria and got a yellow card after he pushed the PSG star from behind. Argentina’s talisman, Lionel Messi, stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Claudio Bravo.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement last year but Argentina head coach Edgardo Bauza held talks with the Barcelona striker to ensure a comeback and a romantic goodbye for the 29-year-old at Russia 2018.

This goal against Chile means the world to Lionel Messi as his retirement announcement came after the Barcelona superstar’s spot-kick went over the bar in during a penalty shootout defeat against Chile almost 270 days back in the Copa America Centenario final. A couple of humiliating runner-up finishes in the last 4 years have also dented Lionel Messi’s confidence, but the flimsy defence, Romero being vulnerable under the high ball and the creative vacuum in the midfield are biggest causes behind Argentina’s downfall.

However, Edgardo Bauza has a dream farewell in mind for Lionel Messi, and this goal may be the start of an emotional International Career end.

Here is the penalty shot that left the Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo tasting dust.

( Video Courtesy: Footstar )

Here is how Twitter reacted after Argentina defeated Chile by 1-0 in the much-awaited encounter where the only spark was provided by Lionel Messi.

24th March 2017
Rohan Jaitly