Close-up view of Lionel Messi's celebration shows how much the goal meant to him, it was pure emotion

A close-up view of Lionel Messi's celebration after his goal against Mexico shows how much it meant to him.

Argentina earned a crucial victory over Mexico on Saturday to boost their hopes of qualifying to the next round of the World Cup.

Messi led from the front as he opened the scoring with a stunning drive from outside the box, then set up Enzo Fernandez, who curled home a delightful goal.

The 35-year-old cut an emotional figure during the celebration of Argentina's goals, but in particular his goal just after the hour mark.

And a close-up view of his celebration shows how emotional he was following his moment of magic.

The video shows Messi embracing Angel Di Maria before gesturing to the crowd.

He then blows multiple kisses to the stands while looking extremely emotional.

Messi hugs Rodrigo De Paul and Di Maria before rousing the crowd, finishing the sequence with his trademark celebration.

Speaking after the game, the Paris Saint-Germain man revealed that the defeat to Saudi Arabia rocked the camp as he shared his thoughts on the 2-0 win.

"We lived with discomfort given the defeat in the opening match [against Saudi Arabia] was something we didn’t expect," he said.

"The days felt very long and we were eager to have the chance to turn it around."

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring for Argentina against Mexico. Image: Alamy

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner added: "We knew it was a critical game. Luckily we had the option to win and it was a weight off our shoulders, a reason for joy and peace of mind because it is all down to us again.

"We needed this result, it seems like in the second half we made our true debut."

Messi and Co resume their Qatar venture next Wednesday when they face Poland.

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