Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Ecuador, World Cup Qualifying, 2018 World Cup
A hat-trick from La Pulga on the final day sent them to Russia and was the catalyst for emphatic dressing-room scenes.

There is nothing more thrilling than qualifying for the World Cup on the final day. Argentina, who were in sixth prior to their clash with Ecuador, needed victory in order to book their ticket to Russia.

And win, they did – scoring three past the home side in their first victory in Ecuador since 2001. Lionel Messi single-handedly led his nation into the World Cup, scoring a hat-trick – his first in World Cup qualifiers – to help La Albiceleste finish in third.

The players were understandably in high spirits after qualifying on Tuesday, and it could be seen after the final whistle. Messi and Co. were singing to the top of their lungs and waving their jerseys in the dressing room, with the Barcelona superstar – usually reserved – couldn't hold back the joy. Watch in the videos below.

Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia was even emotional after the game. He waited backstage for the team, sharing a touching embrace with Leo after his heroics.