AGENCIES

November 27: Lionel Messi kept his dream of winning his first World Cup alive by scoring the opening goal in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Mexico in World Cup Group C.

The Argentine, competing in his fifth World Cup at age 35, has won every other major title in his career but has failed to lift the coveted trophy despite making the final in 2014, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported that Argentina knew defeat would effectively end their World Cup following the embarrassing loss to Saudi Arabia in the opener.

“Messi knew this would mean the major honour that has eluded his grasp in a glittering career would be forever out of reach.”

Messi was, once again, shouldering the burden of Argentina's expectations - and once again he delivered by pulling out a piece of trademark magic when they needed it most to change the course of an attritional game, and perhaps even change the course of his team's World Cup in the process, added the BBC.

According to Reuters, Messi’s 64th minute strike that was followed by substitute Enzo Fernandez's sublime effort three minutes from time, reignited their hopes of advancing past the group stage after their shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opener.

Messi, who equalled Diego Maradona's Argentina record of 21 matches and eight goals at the World Cup, was nowhere to be seen for more than an hour before picking up an Angel Di Maria pass, finding just enough space and rifling in from 20 metres, added the news agency.

Substitute Fernandez made sure of the victory when he curled a superb shot into the top corner.

Argentina, with just three points from two matches, can guarantee progress with a win over Poland in their final group-stage match on Wednesday.