Messi: Another World Cup started for Argentina today

Lionel Messi says Argentina's World Cup campaign has really begun after he inspired his side to a 2-0 win over Mexico to avoid early elimination from the competition.

Following a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their Group C opener, Argentina entered Saturday's clash against Mexico knowing defeat would prevent them from advancing.

Lionel Scaloni's men struggled to get started in the first hour of the game at Lusail Stadium before Messi found the bottom right corner 25 yards out.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker then chose Enzo Fernandez as a substitute to score a delightful late second for Argentina, who join Saudi Arabia with three points.

The Albiceleste meet Poland, who are one point better in the lead, in their last game and will be guaranteed a place in the round of 16 if they win, although a draw could also be enough.< /p>

Messi is happy to have responded to the loss to Saudi Arabia, but stressed his side still have a lot of work to do to reach the knockout stages.

"Another World Cup started for us today," he said.

"There were many factors behind [Saudi Arabia's] loss, such as the players playing in a first World Cup and the schedule.

"No excuses, but we knew we had to win today. We had to play the way we did because Mexico performed well and have a great coach.

"We calmed down a lot more in the second half and scored the goal we needed. We can't give up now; we have finals from now on and we can't go wrong."< /p>

Messi also scored against Saudi Arabia and has now scored in six consecutive appearances for Argentina, making it his best joint run for his national team.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner took his tally of goals in the competition to eight, putting him level with Diego Maradona and behind only Gabriel Batistuta (10) for Argentina.

Both the youngest (18y, 357d vs Serbia in 2006) and oldest player (35y, 155d vs Mexico) to score and assist in a single game World Cup since the beginning of these records (1966).

"He showed that in the space of around 30 seconds he could be very dangerous," said Mexico head coach Gerardo Martino, who previously managed Messi for club and country.< /p>

"They found Messi on his own and he scored from distance. He didn't often find space, but I understand that a goal changes the perspective of what happened in the game. "

Mexico must now beat Saudi Arabia and hope Argentina lose to Poland if they are to qualify, while a win for Mexico and a draw in the other game will see them through of goals.

“As long as there is a chance, we will try,” said Martino. "We have to score goals and I believe that in life those who compete on a daily basis are used to bouncing back."

Argentina's tense win came before a crowd of 88,966, the highest for a men's World Cup game since the 1994 final at the Rose Bowl in California (94,194).

The game was far from a classic, with both teams' nine shots combined being the lowest tally in a World Cup match since 1966.

But head coach Scaloni is happy his team did what was required of them to stay in the hunt for a third world crown after winning the Copa America last year.

"We knew it would be a tough game," he said. "The first half was not good on either side. We made some adjustments at half time to give Lionel more space.

"We were able to have players in the middle of winning duels on the pitch and you know what happened. Our number 10 scored the goal and did what he does best.

"Messi should enjoy this World Cup, and so will the fans. But we still have another game to play and have to keep our feet on the ground, stay humble and work hard.

"Like when we won the Copa America, we'll do it again tomorrow. Happiness only lasts 10 minutes. We have to find the right balance."