Messi Steps Up For Argentina To Defeat Mexico 2-Nil

Argentina's skipper Lionel Messi rose to the occasion on Saturday to give his side a goal and provide an assist for Enzo Fernandez to defeat Mexico 2-0 at the Lusail Stadium.

Argentina endured a very slow start to the World Cup in Qatar after losing their first game against Saudi Arabia in their opening match, had they won the match, they could have joined France in the last 16 tonight.

But better late than ever as Messi drove a low ball past excellent Ochoa just outside the area.

A trademark Messi goal followed a loud chant of his name by thousands of Argentine fans at the Stadium.

Mexico were perfect up till that point keeping the ranks of Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez and Messi out all game.

With time ebbing away and Mexico trying to go for an equalizer, a corner kick by Rodrigo De Paul to Messi, then he dropped it for youngster Fernandez, he tried some step over to displace his marker and bent a curler into the net.

It was a game, set, match for Argentina who rose from the bottom of Group C to second behind Poland who defeated Saudi Arabia earlier on Saturday.

It is now down to the last day for Argentina as they will hope to defeat Poland to qualify as group leaders or a draw could still see them through if Mexico could not score more than 2 goals against Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is still in the race as well as a win could take them past Argentina and Poland.