Fifa World Cup 2022: Argentina beat Poland to advance despite Lionel Messi’s penalty miss

Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez send Argentina into last 16 as Group C winners after Wojciech Szczesny saves spot kick

Robert Lewandowski largely anonymous as Poles show little threat, but they still edge Mexico for place in second round, where they will play France

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Julian Alvarez (right) celebrates with Lionel Messi after scoring Argentina’s second goal. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:09am, 1 Dec 2022Updated: 10:19am, 1 Dec 2022

Lionel Messi had a penalty saved but Argentina still advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup as Group C winners after a 2-0 victory over Poland on Wednesday.

Poland also went through as runners-up although a 2-1 win for Mexico over Saudi Arabia in the group’s other game meant Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side advanced only on goal difference.

Alexis Mac Allister’s 46th-minute goal settled Argentina’s nerves after a tense first half, before Julian Alvarez doubled their lead just over 20 minutes later.

Messi said Argentina’s 2-0 win over Mexico in their previous match had given them “serenity” and looked forward to a last-16 match-up with Australia.

Poland’s Wojciech Szczesny saves the penalty from Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Photo: Reuters

“We went out there thinking we had to win,” said Messi. “The game against Australia will be difficult – anyone can beat anyone. It’s very even, we have to prepare for the game in the best way, as always.”