With the game-winning goal in a 2-0 victory over Mexico at Lusail Stadium to launch his team's World Cup campaign, Lionel Messi saved Argentina once more. Argentina needed to win against Mexico in order to stay in the competition after just two games after Poland's 2-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia earlier on Saturday.
Messi's long-range goal after 64 minutes and Enzo Fernandez's equally stunning late goal helped Argentina put their shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia behind them.
Mexico is last in Group C with just one point, while Lionel Scaloni's team is tied with Saudi Arabia on three points and one point behind Poland, who are now leading the group. After their opening defeat, Argentina made five adjustments, three of which were defensive, and they were unable to make any significant attempts in the first half.
Prior to the break, an Alexis Vega free kick that required Emiliano Martinez to save it gave Mexico the closest opportunity to start the scoring.
The second half's quality only slightly improved, but out of nowhere Messi controlled Angel Di Maria's ball and unleashed a 25-yard low shot past Guillermo Ochoa. With that goal, Messi tied fellow legend Diego Maradona for the most World Cup goals scored for Argentina, which went on to score a second goal through substitute Fernandez.
After a brief corner, the Benfica midfielder collected a pass from Messi, moved into the box, and curled the ball away from Ochoa and into the top corner for his first goal for Argentina with three minutes remaining.
WHY DOES THAT MATTER? GROUP C IS IN THE FINAL STAGES.
The first half's combined tally of four shots from Argentina and Mexico was the lowest in a World Cup match since the Netherlands defeated Argentina in 2014. (three).
However, Scaloni's team improved in the final 30 minutes to ensure that their chances of moving on remain in their own hands as they won their 11th straight game against a lackluster Mexico team.
If Argentina defeats Poland, they will now be assured a spot in the round of 16, and a draw might well be sufficient. Mexico is in last place in Group C, but if they defeat Saudi Arabia and Argentina loses to Poland, they will still have a chance to advance. If Mexico wins and Argentina draws, goal difference will become a factor.
MESSI'S MAGIC MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
Messi broke the deadlock with a brilliant strike and then set up substitute Fernandez for Argentina's game-winning second goal on the day he tied Maradona's record for goals at the World Cup (8), as well as the former Argentina star's appearance total (21)
The forward for Paris Saint-Germain has now scored in six straight games for Argentina, which is his joint-best streak for his nation (also six between November 2011 and September 2012).
BIG DAY FOR GUARDADO IS CUT SHORT
Gerardo Martino called on Mexico's captain Andres Guardado to make history by becoming the sixth player to appear at five different World Cups, three of whom were Mexican (along with Rafael Marquez and Antonio Carbajal). However, Guardado's comeback lasted only 42 minutes because of a knock he was unable to recover from.
NEXT, WHAT?
Wednesday's intriguing group C finale will feature Argentina vs. Poland and Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia, with all four teams still having a chance to advance.
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