Messi Keeps Argentina Alive - And Tournament Breathes Sigh Of Relief

In a World Cup already shorn of too many stars for comfort, the brightest one of all shines on what, at 35, will be his last.

- Neil Squires

ARGENTINA live on at the World Cup and so does Lionel Messi – a tournament breathes again.

The 2-0 victory over Mexico on Saturday night at a pulsing Lusail Stadium, sparked by another gem of a goal from the Argentina captain, was a welcome gift from the football gods to Qatar 22.

Had the Mexicans managed to pull off the same trick as Saudi Arabia, Argentina would have tumbled out and Messi with them. As it is, if they can see off Poland on Wednesday, the two-time champions will be through to the knockout stages.

“We knew it was a critical game because if we didn’t win we were out,” said Messi.

“We lived with discomfort these past few days after the defeat in the opening match, something we didn’t expect. The days felt very long and we were eager to have the chance again to turn the situation around.