FIFA World Cup 2022, Group C: Lionel Messi joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar as Poland and Argentina go through Round of 16

The stage was set for all four teams of Group C for their last group stage matches on 1 December 2022. All teams had chances to qualify for the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Robert Lewandowski’s Poland locked horns with Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Stadium 974.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia took on Mexico in Lusail Stadium. However, all eyes were on the battle between Messi and the Polish striker. Messi had a great game for Argentina against Mexico. So, all Argentine fans were hoping to see another masterclass from the former Barcelona star on the biggest stage of Football.     

Argentina and Poland sealed their places in the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2022

Argentina vs Poland

Argentina had a brighter start to the game. They looked in more control than Poland. In the 10th minute, Lionel Messi had a shot. But, Poland’s goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny made a comfortable save. Then, in the 37th minute, Argentina got a penalty but Messi missed the chance again. Szczesny pulled off a fantastic save again to keep the game 0-0 in the first half.

However, Argentina had a blistering start to the second half. Alexis Mac Allister scored the first goal in the 46th minute. Nahuel Molina assisted in that build-up. Then, in the 73rd minute, Julian Alvarez came close to scoring his brace. But, his effort went wide of the right-hand post.  However, Argentina managed to win the match 2-0 over Poland. But, despite losing, Poland qualified for a better disciplinary manner than Mexico.

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico

Saudi Arabia started the game with more intensity than Mexico. In the third minute, Saleh Alshehri had the chance to score the opener. But, Mexico’s goalkeeper, Ochoa made a save. Then, in the following minute, the Saudi Arabian goalkeeper, Mohammed Alowaisaleh made an easy save. Thus, the first half ended 0-0.

But, Mexico began the second half with more attacking threats. Henry Martin scored the opener for Mexico in the 47th minute while Cesar Montes assisted him. Then, in the 52nd minute, Luis Chavez scored the second goal for his country. After that, Hirving Lozano had a chance to score in the 76th minute, But, his shot went far from the post only. Then, in the 90+5′ minute, Salem Aldawsari pulled back one goal for Saudi Arabia. Finally, Mexico won the match 2-1. But, it was not enough for them to get qualified for the next round.