Wayne Lumbasi
Argentina ensured that Lionel Messi’s final World Cup would not end in the humiliation of a group stage exit, while Mexico failed to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 1978 on a frantic night of action in Group C.
Argentina recovered from a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia with a win over Poland, but the Poles also made it to the competition’s round of 16 on goal differential – they haven’t advanced this far on the international stage since 1986.
Argentina’s advancement to the next round was uncertain prior to the game’s start. In fact, they might have been eliminated embarrassingly early had they suffered a loss or a draw. On a bad night for him, Messi even missed a first-half penalty attempt to increase the pressure.
The pre-tournament favorites finally made a breakthrough. Shortly after the second half began, Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister scored, and just over an hour later, Manchester City’s Julian Alavrez made it 2-0 to give them some breathing room.
Argentina, who have six points, will take on Group D runners-up Australia in the last 16 phase. Despite the loss, Poland completed the group stage in second position with four points. They will face defending champions France.
