Poland is through to the last 16 despite losing to Argentina 2-0 in their last Group C match. As Argentina topped the group with Poland ending second in the group.
Poland qualified on goals difference as Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the other group game.
Argentina dominated the game from start to finish but had to wait till the second half to score a goal.
Wojciech Szczesny saved a contentious Messi penalty in the 39th minute after a lengthy VAR check.
On resumption of the second half, Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead in the 46th minute. He stroked home a Nahuel Molina’s cross to break the dock.
Julian Alvarez Alvarez ensured victory for Argentina with a fine finish into the top corner in the 67th minute.
Poland will face champions France in their first World Cup knockout game since 1986.
Argentina will play Australia in the last 16 who beat Denmark 1-0 earlier in the day.
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Mexico at the Lusail Stadium beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the other Group C match.
The victory could not see them to the last 16 despite ending with the same points as Poland. A 3rd goal would have seen Mexico qualify but they conceded late on.
With scores at 0-0 at half time, Mexico scored in the 47th minute on the resumption of the second half. Henry Martin reacted quickest to finish Cesar Montes’ flick-on.
Luis Chavez scored from a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner to increase Mexico’s lead. They thought they had another but Hirving Lozano’s low strike was chalked off for offside.
Salem Al Dawsari’s goal in added time for Saudi Arabia sent the Mexicans home, leaving the Polish players to celebrate across the city.
