Lionel Messi will have to shoot for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage match against Poland with so much on the line.
For Messi, who is probably playing his last World Cup, a place in the last 16 is at stake in the World Cup. With Argentina second in Group C on three points, one behind Poland, they need to win to ensure progress and keep their dream of a third World Cup title alive.
A draw would also suffice for the South Americans if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also end up on the same level.
Messi has scored twice in Argentina’s season so far. The 35-year-old star has scored in six consecutive appearances for Argentina in all competitions.
In the game against Poland, the 35-year-old will have his eye on a number of statistical milestones.
This will be his 999th career game for Messi.
This will also be his 22nd World Cup match, an Argentine record for most World Cup appearances, one more than Maradona.
Messi also needs to score 2 more goals to equal Gabriel Batistuta’s record for most goals for Argentina (10). Messi equaled Maradona’s score of 8 in the previous game against Mexico.
As far as the two teams are concerned, this is the third FIFA World Cup meeting between Poland and Argentina.
Poland won 3-2 in 1974, while Argentina won 2-0 in 1978.