Argentina’s World Cup hopes were maintained by Lionel Messi’s precious goal, which helped Argentina defeat Mexico.

After Saudi Arabia delivered a seismic upset in the teams’ Group C opening, Messi and his teammates knew they could not lose. An attritional contest at the Lusail Stadium only increased Argentina fears.

But in the 64th minute, Messi finally broke through when he controlled Angel di Maria’s pass and rifled past Guillermo Ochoa, sending Argentina’s supporters into raptures.

Argentina will advance to the round of 16 if they defeat Poland in their final group match, and Enzo Fernandez secured three crucial points with a superb second (87).

Mexico vs. Argentina important statistic

Lionel Messi has scored in each of his last six Argentina appearances, matching a streak that he had from November 2011 to September 2012. After his pivotal intervention, Messi also tied a late legend.

Argentina vs. Mexico: A crucial moment

When Mexico left Messi free 20 or so yards out, he made them pay for their careful plan to let nothing truly happen.

Argentina’s worries vanished all of a sudden, and Fernandez’s excellent second goal was fully deserving.

Player of the match – Lionel Messi 

Mexico’s well-organized lines had done an excellent job of keeping him contained for the first hour of play, and at that point all of his minders were focused on splitting the award among themselves.

Messi, however, discovered a yard of room before locating the bottom corner of the net. setting the game’s outcome and launching Argentina’s World Cup.

Why does that matter?

If Argentina had lost, they would have been eliminated from the competition, and if they had drawn, they would have had to defeat Poland by three goals or more in the championship match.

However, a victory puts their fate squarely in their own hands and allows them to overtake Saudi Arabia into second place on goal differential.

They will advance to the knockout round with any kind of victory vs Poland.

Argentina’s advancement will rely on the outcome of the other game between Saudi Arabia and Mexico if Poland and Argentina draw.

Argentina would likewise advance to the knockout round with a draw in that game, however Saudi Arabia would advance instead of Argentina. If Mexico prevails, tiebreakers will be used, starting with goal differential.

Up next

On Wednesday, November 30, at the same times of 19:00 GMT, 14:00 EST, and 11:00 PT, both Group C matchups will be decided.

In two crucial games, Mexico plays Saudi Arabia, and Argentina plays Poland.

The Group C winner will play the Group D runners-up, and the Group C runner-up will play the Group D winners.