Argentina was stunned by Saudi Arabia in its first game, before getting its campaign back on track with a 2-0 victory over Mexico in which Messi scored the opening goal.
It means that with just a game left in Group C, Argentina remains in the hunt to progress to the knockout stages in Messi’s fifth World Cup campaign.
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Argentina faces a Poland team spearheaded by its own iconic striker, Robert Lewandowski, who scored his first World Cup goal last time out against Saudi Arabia.
The 34-year-old Lewandowski, who is also his nation’s all-time top scorer like Messi, missed a penalty in a damp squib of a 0-0 draw against Mexico in Poland’s opening game but redeemed himself with the second in the 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
Following its famous victory over Argentina, a win for Saudi Arabia against Mexico will assure its first qualification for the last 16 since 1994, while a draw would mean it would need Poland to beat Argentina.
Yes, in Saudi Arabia we know the players well, but they are unknown to the fans around the world,” Renard told a news conference after the Poland game.
Competition for the final Group D spot
The other group to come to a climax on Wednesday is Group D which sees Australia play Denmark and Tunisia face France.
Reigning World Cup champion France has already sealed its place in the next round with two wins from as many games.
However, the rest of the group remains in the balance with Australia on three points and both Denmark and Tunisia on a point apiece.
Australia has a great chance to progress to the last 16 for the first time since 2006 – a win will guarantee its progression, although a draw would suffice if Tunisia fails to beat France.
Forward Mathew Leckie reminisced about the Australia team’s successful run in Germany 16 years ago ahead of its crunch match on Wednesday.
How to watch
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