Argentina have officially found their groove at the 2022 World Cup after a slow start.
Having gone unbeaten for 36 games, the Copa America winners were named one of the favourites for the Qatar showpiece but fell to a shock 2-1 defeat against 51st ranked side Saudi Arabia in their opening match.
It meant their clash with Mexico in Group C was must-win and Lionel Scaloni made five changes from the team he picked against Saudi Arabia.
Still, La Albiceleste were frustrated by Mexico for large spells until Lionel Messi came up with a moment of magic to break the deadlock in the 63rd minute.
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Messi smashed in a low strike past Guillermo Ochoa and sent the Lusail Stadium into a frenzy, before he set up a delightful effort from Enzo Fernandez to secure a first victory of the tournament.
Argentina are now second in Group C, one point behind next opponents Poland after they beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the earlier kick-off.
That huge encounter takes place on Wednesday at Stadium 974, with Argentina knowing they will be through if they win their final fixture.
Messi has now scored the same amount of World Cup goals as the late Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to the triumph in 1986 in Mexico.
Messi will be hoping to replicate his heroics 36 years on in what will likely be his final World Cup tournament.
His wait for an international trophy came to an end in 2021 when Argentina won the Copa America and winning the World Cup would undoubtedly cap off an incredible career.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina
Josh Lawless