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Argentina Clinch Top Spot Despite Messi's Missed Penalty

Argentina Clinch Top Spot Despite Messi's Missed Penalty

Poland 0-2 Argentina

Argentina have qualified for the FIFA World Cup last 16 as Group C winners after defeating Poland 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Enzo Fernandez was handed a start after netting Argentina's second goal against, while Messi made his 22nd appearance at the World Cup, overtaking Diego Maradona's all-time record.

The Poles made just one change from the win over Saudi Arabia, with Karol Swiderski replacing Arkadiusz Milik in the attack.

The South American champions were awarded a penalty in the 37th minute following a review on the pitch-side monitor for Wojciech Szczesny's foul on Messi.

Szczesny, however, redeemed himself by saving the Argentine skipper's spot-kick, which was his second penalty save of the tournament.

Argentina did get the breakthrough shortly after the break when Alexis MacAllister bagged his first of the tournament by turning home Naheul Molina's cross.

Julian Alvarez made the game safe with just over 20 minutes to go as the Manchester City striker collected a pass from Fernandez before rifling the ball into the top corner.

Despite ending up on the losing side, Poland have advanced to the next round as Mexico could only beat Saudi Arabia by a one-goal margin.

Saudi Arabia 2-1 Mexico

Mexico crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage despite beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Gerardo Martino went with the same attack for the Mexican line-up after the loss to Argentina, although Andre Guardado and Hector Herrera dropped to the bench.

Saudi Arabia needed to better Argentina's result against, while Mexico knew only three points would give them hope of qualifying for the knockout stages.

The two nations last met at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1999, where the Mexicans ran out 5-1 winners at the Estadio Azteca.

After a scoreless first half, Mexico got the breakthrough two minutes after the break as Henry Martin opened his account for the campaign.

The lead was doubled in the 52nd minute, with Luis Chavez finding the back of the net with a wonderful free-kick to give his side some hope.

The Mexicans needed one more goal to secure progression, but Saudi Arabia pulled one back of their own in second-half stoppage time through Salem Aldawsari and ended their hopes of a last 16 berth.

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