For decades, people have compared Lionel Messi to Diego Maradona. Perhaps, the only big difference between them is the fact that the former has yet to win the FIFA World Cup, unlike the latter.
This will be Messi's final shot at leading Argentina to the ultimate glory and silencing his few critics once and for all. He doesn't need to prove anything at this point, but it would only be fitting after a flawless career and an unmatched résumé.
Lionel Scaloni's team has found mixed results in its first two matches of the group stage. So, with just 3 points after two fixtures, what happens if they beat Robert Lewandowski and Poland in the final game of the group stage?
Qatar 2022: What Happens If Argentina Beats Poland?
By beating Mexico, Argentina managed to live another day and control its own destiny. So, they would move on to the next round with a win over Poland, regardless of the score or what happens between Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
A win would send argentina to the top of the table with 6 points, unless Saudi Arabia beats Mexico by at least two more goals than Argentina beats Poland. Then, they would still qualify as the 2nd seed in the group.
Argentina would also be the 1st seed if Mexico beats Saudi Arabia, as the Mexican side would be tied with Poland with 4 points each. In that case, the 2nd seed would be determined by their goal differential.
An Argentina win and a draw between Mexico and Saudi Arabia would send the Albiceleste to the knockout stage, with either Poland or Saudi Arabia joining them, depending on their goal differential.
Simply put, beating Poland is all Argentina needs to do to move on to the Round of 16.