Argentina fans from across the globe celebrated their side reaching the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.
Under the leadership of 27-year-old superstar Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste powered past European “underdogs” Belgium to make the last 4.
The South Americans took an early lead thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain goal, in the eighth minute, and never looked back as they fought off a resilient Red Devils squad, who were gunning for the equalizer.
Argentina beat Belgium 1-0 to reach the 2014 World Cup semi-finals
The Man of the Match of the Argentina-Belgium clash, Napoli's 26-year-old hitman, came inches close to doubling Argentina's lead, completing his brace, but saw his attempt ricochet of the post.
This made the Argentina bench gasp at the missed chance with team coach Alejandro Sabella nearly falling over after seeing what occurred.
This was the moment Alejandro Sabella nearly fell to the ground
HUMOR: Memes and trolls from that hilarious incident
And again! pic.twitter.com/KP7emnc2Sy
— The SPORT Bible (@TSBible) July 5, 2014
ICYMI: @ThierryHenry saved #ARG coach Sabella from a nasty fall in the earlier game. pic.twitter.com/ERp9GFxAir
— KICKTV (@KICKTV) July 5, 2014
Haha pic.twitter.com/1hA5s2oXlP
— Troll Football (@Troll__Football) July 5, 2014
Although Argentina are considered one of the best footballing countries in the world, this feat, a semi-final spot, is something that has evaded the two-time World Cup champions for 24 years.
The last time they appeared in this stage of the competition was back in 1990 when they had a little player by the name of Diego Maradona in their ranks.
Fast forward to 2014, and it's now Lionel Messsi, believed by many to be Argentina's second Maradona, guiding Argentina to what could be their first trophy since 1986.
From Maradona to Messi, Argentina have qualified for the WC semifinals for the first time since 1990 [via @espn] pic.twitter.com/0doLtD9ijL
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) July 5, 2014
Legends pic.twitter.com/WBsu7RLzHd
— Troll Football (@Troll__Football) July 5, 2014
The Barcelona ace has been in fine form at football's greatest tournament, scoring four goals and claiming four consecutive Man of the Match awards.
La Pulga also remains in the hunt for the Golden Boot but spurred a priceless opportunity to edge closer to James Rodriguez's tally of 6 goals, currently the highsst of the tournament, as Messi was denied by a familiar foe, Thibaut Courtois.
The Argentina captain missed this one-on-one goalscoring opportunity against Courtois
Thibaut Courtois, Lionel Messi's NIGHTMARE!!! pic.twitter.com/wnWaZNmg03
— Troll Football (@Troll__Football) July 5, 2014
Messi's goalscoring despairs in front of the Chelsea goalkeeper (on loan at Atletico Madrid) are well documented as the Blaugrana ace has come up short against the Belgium custodian several times, failing to score past the Rojiblancos shot-stopper in their last eight consecutive encounters.
Stats from Messi vs Courtois (before Saturday's quarter-final showdown)
0 - Lionel Messi #ARG has failed to score against Thibaut Courtois #BEL in their six meetings this season. Archenemy.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 5, 2014
Messi vs @thibautcourtois: not a single goal in his last 7 clashes with the Belgian giant (542 minutes) [via @VI_nl] pic.twitter.com/s8zLZ9dy0m
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) July 3, 2014
After La Albiceleste's 1-0 win, Messi has now gone eight consecutive games without scoring against the Belgium custodian
Lionel Messi is now scoreless in eight consecutive games against keeper Thibaut Courtois, who plays for Atlético Madrid in @LaLiga.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 5, 2014
Argentina will now face Netherlands in the semi-final for the shot of reaching the 2014 World Cup final.
