LIONEL MESSI goes into a crucial match against Poland hoping to avoid an early exit from what will almost certainly be his final World Cup.
The Argentines are currently second in Group C, but they have a lot of work to do after an upset loss to Saudi Arabia in the first game.
A win ensures their place in the knockout stages and almost certainly avoids a rematch with France in the last 16.
Meanwhile, Poland has built from the ground up and, while not visually appealing, currently holds the top spot without conceding a goal.
And, having felt cheated out of the Ballon d'Or by Lionel Messi in 2021, Robert Lewandowski will be determined to lead his team to the knockout stages.
Authentic Sports examines what to expect from Poland vs Argentina, including our predicted score.How are things going for them?
Argentina: Messi and co were defeated 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their first match.
But, in the second game, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner came up big, scoring the first goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico.Most popular in Football Poland: The Poles could have advanced if Lewandowski had converted a penalty in their opening snore draw with Mexico.
However, their talisman made amends by scoring the second goal in the following game, a crucial 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Is there anything to be concerned about?
Poland: The Poles have no new injury concerns ahead of this crucial match.
Argentina has no injury concerns ahead of this game.
Who will be the main characters?
Argentina has a lot of talent, but no one in the world has a resume like Messi.
Poland: The Poles are unlikely to create many chances in this game, so Robert Lewandowski will be needed.Permutations
Argentina will qualify with a win over Poland and top the group if Saudi Arabia does not beat Mexico by more than three goals.
If Saudi Arabia and Mexico draw or Mexico wins by less than four goals, a draw will suffice.
Argentina will be eliminated if they lose.
If Saudi Arabia fails to beat Mexico, Poland will qualify with a draw and top the group.
If Saudi Arabia draws, Poland must lose by fewer than three goals in order to qualify.Poland will be eliminated if they lose and Mexico wins by a five-goal margin.
What is the match-up?
Argentina has won six games, drawn two, and lost three to Poland.
Poland shocked the world by winning the World Cup 3-2 in 1974.
But Argentina got their revenge four years later, winning 2-0 on their way to winning the World Cup in 1978.
The teams last met in a friendly in 2011, with Poland winning 2-1 in Warsaw.
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