Argentina and Messi face a crucial game against Poland in Qatar in 2022

The 2022 World Cup was supposed to be Lionel Messi’s crowning moment for Argentina – the tournament in which he steps out of Diego Maradona’s shadow for the national team – but the 35-year-old has had a mixed experience so far.

Argentina was stunned by Saudi Arabia in its first game before rebounding with a 2-0 victory over Mexico, with Messi scoring the opening goal.

Argentina remains in contention to advance to the knockout stages in Messi’s fifth World Cup campaign, with just one game remaining in Group C.

Argentina is second in Group C with three points, one point behind Group C leader Poland, and knows that a win against the Poles will ensure its progression.

Defender Lisandro Martinez stated that the team, including Messi, is only improving.

“Everything comes down to details,” Martinez said at a press conference on Tuesday. “With Messi’s goal, we saw it. Previously, the match (against Mexico) was very close.”

Argentina will face a Poland team led by its own iconic striker, Robert Lewandowski, who scored his first World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia last time out.

The 34-year-old Lewandowski, who is also his country’s all-time leading scorer like Messi, missed a penalty in Poland’s opening game, a 0-0 draw with Mexico, but redeemed himself with the second in the 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

“As a football fan, it will be a privilege and pleasure to see him up close,” Scaloni said. “Can he compete with Messi?” You just have to appreciate such a talented player. Why pit one player against another? That’s not going to help.”

Following its famous victory over Argentina, Saudi Arabia needs to beat Mexico to qualify for the last 16 for the first time since 1994, while a draw would require Poland to defeat Argentina.

Saudi Arabia’s head coach, Herve Renard, stated that his team has already defied expectations.

“No one in the world thought we could play at this level.” Yes, we know the players well in Saudi Arabia, but they are unknown to fans around the world,” Renard said at a news conference following the Poland game. “We’re still here.”

Mexico’s chances are much slimmer, as they must defeat Saudi Arabia by at least three goals, with Poland not losing to Argentina.

Group D, which pits Australia against Denmark and Tunisia against France, will also conclude on Wednesday.

France, the reigning World Cup champion, has already qualified for the next round with two wins in a row.

The rest of the group, however, is still up in the air, with Australia on three points and both Denmark and Tunisia on one.

Australia has a good chance of reaching the last 16 for the first time since 2006; a win is required, but a draw will suffice if Tunisia fails to beat France.

Forward Mathew Leckie reflected on Australia’s successful run in Germany 16 years ago ahead of Wednesday’s crucial match.