Lionel Messi has been praised by fans after putting in a stunning performance to save Argentina form an early exit at the World Cup.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scored the opener after his side had struggled to break Mexico down before setting up the second to help secure what was in the end a comfortable 2-0 win.
He has been lauded on social media for his role in the victory, with many fans praising the 35-year-old for performing when his country needed him most.
'Magical Messi!' said one Twitter user. 'He delivers when it matters most!' with three goat emojis attached.
'The greatest player in history!' added another.
The forward has come under criticism this World Cup as recently as half time in the match with Mexico when the score was 0-0.
He scored from the penalty spot in his side's shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the tournament but was largely ineffective in what was one of the biggest World Cup shocks of all time.
He was then slated for a supposed lack of effort on Saturday, before popping up with the goal from distance to break the deadlock before Enzo Fernnadez sealed the three points later on.
Several users on Twitter claimed the Argentine has now silenced his doubters after a sticky spell for his country.
'This is easily one of the biggest games in Messi’s career, with the team playing terribly and the entire world watching', said one user.
'He steps up with a wonder goal and then assists another to seal the win. What will they say now?'
Another added: 'Today was Messi vs Mexico and the whole world. But Messi silenced all the haters and critics. Remember this name, The King of football. Lionel Messi The GOAT.'
A third said: 'Messi delivers a goal and an assist to shut down all his doubters. He is inevitable.'
Argentina are far from qualified for the last 16 of the tournament but a win over Poland in their final Group C fixture would see them through.
A draw would leave them sweating on the result of Saudi Arabia vs Mexico, a game they will have an eye on anyway to see if they can top the group.