Twitterati goes crazy as Argentina beat Nigeria to avoid World Cup exit

The social cyberspace went into meltdown after the South American giants' dramatic success over the Africans.

This has been a World Cup full of surprises and last right when most spectators thought that two-time winners Argentina were going to crash out of the quadrennial tournament, La Albiceleste proved them wrong. On an evening when Messi and company required nothing less than a victory against Nigeria, they stepped up when it mattered the most.

Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead and their fans something to cheer about. After having two quiet games, the man from Rosario finally stepped up and so did the spectators present at the stadium and millions all around the world. That's the charisma of the little man, whether you like him or not, you just have to admire him.

But, in the second half, the Super Eagles came back when Javier Mascherano got into a tussle with Leon Balogun and brought him down in the box during a corner. Victor Moses restored parity from the spot as Nigeria tried to hold on to a draw, which would have seen them through.

But, after disappointing their fans in the first two games, La Albiceleste had no other option but to level up the game. That's what they did as Marcos Rojo tucked it in a volley from an exquisite Gabriel Mercado cross. As the ball went in, the stadium erupted and so did social media. Diego Maradona's reaction after both the goals was clear evidence of what it meant to him and to the entire Argentine nation.

Twitterati exploded on the night as people were applauding Messi for finally stepping up, while some were going mad about Rojo's last-gasp stunner. Even Maradona caught the attention with his hilarious reactions. Here is the best of the reaction from a crazy night.

???? Marcos Rojo's late winner takes Argentina through to the knockout stages of the #WorldCup #NGAARG pic.twitter.com/S0gOjxH4Wm

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 26, 2018

#NGAARG@_Hybreed_ just in case you missed it. pic.twitter.com/gCiLOFm90f

— Ms Negetive (@SA_Legend007) June 26, 2018

I told ya'll that he was bribed !#NGAARG pic.twitter.com/EkcI4Azkwy

— VoiceOfTruth (@BigBright_Guy) June 26, 2018

If Portugal beats Uruguay and Argentina beats France, it will be Argentina vs Portugal in one of the most anticipated World Cup games of all-time. Messi vs Ronaldo. RIP Twitter if this happens. pic.twitter.com/Zg1bSnWV2l

— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) June 26, 2018

When you're supporting #ARG at 7 but you're Wakanda forever.. pic.twitter.com/rhGuCyW5GP

— Witty Footy (@Witty_Footy) June 26, 2018

Messi becomes the first player to have scored a World Cup goal as a teenager, in his twenties and in his thirties.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 26, 2018

Nigeria marking Messi like... pic.twitter.com/ziH9g0BGb3

— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) June 26, 2018

When my world seems hopeless this will bring me back to life. What a beauty of a goal #Messi #NGAARG pic.twitter.com/zFs44hs095

— P Venugopal (@pv_mar10) June 26, 2018

Messi:- Delivered team talk in tunnel at half-time- Was asked about Aguero introduction by Sampaoli mid-game- Checked Iceland progress with bench after Rojo goalAnd that's only the stuff we *know* about.Player-coach.

— messiworldcup (@messiworldcup) June 27, 2018

Still so pumped up!! Still can't believe what happened last night. Vamoooss Messi. pic.twitter.com/4wZJRDvIya

— Messi World (@MessiWorId) June 27, 2018

All in all, this was coming. When things weren't right for the little man and Argentina they rose from the ashes and survived to fight another day. Vamos Albiceleste!