Messi provides World Cup goal, assist as Argentina avoids disaster

Leave Lionel Messi open at your own peril.

With Argentina’s World Cup hopes in danger of taking a precarious turn, the 35-year-old superstar scored to give the Albiceleste a 1-0 lead over Mexico in their second Group C game.

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In the 64th minute, Messi collected the ball well-outside Mexico’s box. Curiously left open in space by the Mexican defense, Messi was able to take a touch onto his favored left foot and unleash a low-driven shot perfectly placed into the bottom-right corner. It was his 93rd-career international goal and eighth in a World Cup, and could prove pivotal for Argentina.

“We had to win today and we could do it,” Messi posted on Instagram after Argentina’s 2-0 win. “There’s another final coming up on Wednesday and we have to keep fighting all together… Let’s go Argentina!!!”

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In their Group C opener, Argentina stunningly lost to Saudi Arabia 2-1 in one of the World Cup’s biggest-ever upsets. It set up a virtual must-win game against Mexico, as a loss would have eliminated Argentina from the tournament. Tied 0-0 before Messi’s goal, a draw would have left Argentina needing a miracle in their last group stage game to advance to the knockout round.