Lionel Messi: Why Superstar Will Continue to Propel Argentina

It's never a matter of "if" but "when" with Lionel Messi.

Chile found that out the hard way in its 2-1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup qualifying play on Tuesday as Messi swung a perfectly-placed ball into the right side of the net with a defender on his hip.

Messi is playing some of his best football right now and it's sending shockwaves throughout the world. He now has seven goals and two assists in nine matches in qualifying play, exhibiting a singular dominance that is rarely seen in football.

It's why many call him the best player in the world.

Messi is the guiding force behind an Argentina side that is leading the South America region in the standings and doing so convincingly. Argentina has now scored 20 goals while allowing seven, exhibiting a strong two-sided game that complements Messi's offensive theatrics nicely.

It's clear that Argentina rallies around Messi and his opening goal in the first half displayed how he can be a catalyst for the side. Chile didn't score until after the 90th minute on Tuesday, down 2-0 for over 60 minutes following Gonzalo Higuain's netter in the 31st minute.

At this point, you only have to get the ball in the vicinity of Messi and he'll do the rest. His sheer talent and execution is practically flawless and he continues to impress just when we thought we'd seen it all.

Everyone should be worried about Messi's squad because when you have a player like him, anything can happen. Chile was basically done right when Messi thudded home the opening goal, and another Argentina goal in a matter of minutes was almost predictable given the energy the 25-year-old provides.

Here comes Lionel Messi again. Make way.