Qatar World Cup: Messi surpasses Maradona as Argentina reach last 16 with 2-0 win over Poland

Lionel Messi had a penalty saved but Argentina dominated the game and won 2-0 against Poland on Thursday (December 1) to book their place in the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup. Messi also achieved another milestone as he went past Diego Maradona to become the player with the most World Cup games for La Albiceleste.

Messi at World Cups: Messi has scored eight goals in 22 matches at the FIFA World Cup, spanning five editions (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022). He has the same number of goals as Maradona but has now surpassed him in terms of number of games.

Messi's scoring rate at football World Cups is 0.36 goals per game. It is lower than his 0.55 goals per game in his other international outings. Gabriel Batistuta (10 goals from 12 matches) has been Argentina's most prolific scorer at FIFA World Cups.

Messi for Argentina: Messi has scored 93 goals in 168 international matches for Argentina. This makes him the top goal-scorer of all time for Argentina. In the all time scorers list, Messi is fourth and second among active players, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

Argentina reach the Round of 16: Argentina, after making disappointing start with 1-2 loss against Saudi Arabia, made it to the last 16 and topped its group with a 2-0 win against Poland. Poland also went through to the next round on goal difference.

• Alexis Mac Allister scored in the 46th minute before Julian Alvarez doubled their lead just over 20 minutes later.

• Argentina failed to score in the first half as Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved his second penalty of the tournament. It was the 31st penalty Messi had failed to convert in his career.
• Overall, Argentina controlled the game with maximum possession and a barrage of attacks in the Poland's half of the field. They could have scored 2-3 more goals if their final touches were slightly better.
• In the last 16 game, Argentina will face Australia.