LIONEL MESSI rescued Argentina with a magical strike as they beat Mexico 2-0 to remain in the World Cup.
The Argentinians knew they would have been OUT of the World Cup if they lost.
But Messi stepped up with a sublime long-range effort to fire his side ahead, before Enzo Fernandez scored the second.
They know still need to get a result against Poland next week to advance to the last-16.
- Result: Argentina 2-0 Mexico
- Argentina XI: E. Martinez, Montiel, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Acuna, De Paul, Rodriguez, Di Maria, Messi, Mac Allister, Lautaro
- Mexico XI: Ochoa, Montes, Araujo, Moreno, K. Alvarez, Herrera, Guardado, Chavez, Gallardo, Lozano, Vega
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Updated Group C
Argentina have climbed off the bottom of the table and are second in Group C.
The Copa America winners are just one point behind Poland, who drew with Mexico and beat Saudi Arabia earlier today.
The Mexicans are now last with only one point, while Saudi Arabia are third with three.
More below:
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Argentina vs Mexico stats
Argentina dominated 58 per cent of possession throughout the encounter.
The Albiceleste registered a total of five shots, two of which were on target.
Mexico, on the other hand, produced four shots but only one of them was on target.
More below:
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FT: Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Argentina have bounced back with a major 2-0 win over Mexico at the Lusail Stadium.
And it was their star captain Lionel Messi who led the Albiceleste to this incredibly important victory that puts them back in the picture for the World Cup’s Last 16.
Messi opened the scoring with a stunning shot on 64 minutes from the edge of the box that ended up in Guillermo Ochoa’s bottom left corner.
Enzo Fernandez sealed the win with a screamer of his own after 87 minutes as his curling shot from the left hit Ochoa’s top left corner
Credit: AP
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FT: Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Peep!
That’s full-time in Qatar!!!
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90+3 Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Mexico have practically given up, thinking about the next game with Saudi Arabia.
The Argentine fans have put together a party in the stands
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90 Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Just six more minutes of added time to go.
It;s int he bag for Argentina, who have officially set Group C on fire!!!
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87 Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Argentina have sealed it and they have done it in style!
Fernandez picks the ball down the right and delivers a wonderful curling shot that hits Ochoa’s top left corner!
What a finish!!!
Credit: Getty -
87 Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Goal!
Fernandez seals the win for Argentina!!!
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85 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Five more minutes to go and Mexico are seriously running out of ideas.
Now it’s El Tri that find themselves in Argentina’s shoes before Messi’s goals
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83 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
We’ve mentioned how Mexico haven’t created any chances ever since Messi’s goal.
But the same goes for Argentina, if they go through they will have to show something better in the knockout stage
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80 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Just 10 more minutes to go until full-time and Argentina look comfortable.
Mexico are not making any case of equalising any time soon…
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78 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Mexico haven’t had a significant chance in goal throughout the entire match.
Vega’s shot in the first half was too weak, Martinez’s save was more spectacular than the delivery
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75 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Now the show is on the other foot!
Mexico are the ones who are unable to create any dangers!
Argentina are now back to being compact, there’s the Messi effect for ya
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73 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Substitution
Another switch by Mexico manager Martino as Alvarado replaces Lozano
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72 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Messi has revived Argentina’s hopes of qualifying to the Last 16 with a stunning shot.
And all that on the match that sees him equal the legendary Maradona on most World Cup appearances!
And how much he’s loving this…
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Getty
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70 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Chance!
Argentina create some more danger as Molina tries a shot from the edge of the box and just misses the target
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69 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Substitution
And a double substitution from Argentina boss Scaloni as Romero and Palacios come on for Di Maria and Mac Allister respectively
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66 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Substitution
Another switch from Mexico boss Martino as Wolves star Jimenez replaces Alvarez
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66 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Yellow card
Another booking for Mexico as Herrera is hooked for a foul on Acuna
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65 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Substitution
Mexico boss Martino responds to Argentina’s opener with a change as Antuna replaces Vega
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64 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
We told you, it only takes one moment of brilliance for Messi to turn this game around!
The Argentina captain delivers a brilliant long-range shot from the edge of the box and hits Ochoa’s bottom left corner!
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64 Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Goal!
Messi breaks the deadlock for Argentina!!!
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63 Argentina 0-0 Mexico
Substitution
Argentina boss Scaloni makes a double change as Molina and Alvarez come on for Montiel and Lautaro respectively
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63 Argentina 0-0 Mexico
Mexico are basically having 11 players defending against Argentina.
That could cost them, but the Albiceleste are not finding space…
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60 Argentina 0-0 Mexico
We didn’t see much from Messi in the first half but we are now.
The Argentina captain is leading his team-mates forward with some nice runs and beautiful through balls
Credit: AP
