Lionel Messi had a penalty saved but Argentina still advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup as Group C winners after a 2-0 victory over Poland on Wednesday.
For once, Messi was not the Albiceleste’s match-winner -- he even missed a first-half penalty -- but Argentina still danced to the beat of his drum.
“I’m angry at missing that penalty but the team came out stronger after my mistake. We knew that once the first goal went in it would change the game,” said Messi.
Poland also went through as runners-up although a 2-1 win for Mexico over Saudi Arabia in the group’s other game meant Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side advanced only on goal difference.
Alexis Mac Allister’s 46th-minute goal settled Argentina’s nerves after a tense first half, before Julian Alvarez doubled their lead just over 20 minutes later.
Messi said Argentina’s 2-0 win over Mexico in their previous match had given them “serenity” and looked forward to a last-16 match-up with Australia.
“We went out there thinking we had to win,” said Messi.
“The game against Australia will be difficult -- anyone can beat anyone. It’s very even, we have to prepare for the game in the best way, as always.”
Argentina had been unable to find a way past Wojciech Szczesny in an opening 45 minutes in which the Poland goalkeeper saved his second penalty of the tournament.
Szczesny was adjudged to have fouled Messi while stretching to reach a cross, but he dived to his left to beat away the resulting spot-kick.
It was the 31st penalty Messi had failed to convert in his career. “I’m angry at missing that penalty but the team came out stronger after my mistake,” he said.
“We knew that once the first goal went in it would change the game.”