Lionel Messi Extends International Scoring Streak As Argentina Beat Mexico And Stay Alive At Qatar 2022

Argentina 2-0 Mexico

Lionel Messi scored for the sixth Argentina game in a row to help keep his nation's World Cup hopes alive.

After losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in their opening game of Qatar 2022, Argentina knew that a loss to Mexico on Saturday night would have meant elimination from the tournament.

But Messi was not ready to leave.

Lionel Messi pictured (right) scoring for Argentina against Mexico at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

IMAGO/Matthias Koch

After 63 minutes of tense and low-quality play, Messi produced a moment of pure World Cup magic.

He collected the ball from Angel Di Maria before unleashing a powerful low strike from long range that beat Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa down low to his left.

Messi then assisted Enzo Fernandez for a goal that was perhaps even better than his.

After receiving the ball from Messi outside of the penalty area, Fernandez dazzled Erick Gutierrez with some fancy footwork before curling the ball into the top corner of Ochoa's goal.

It was his first ever goal for Argentina and it sealed a massive result for his side.

Argentina will now qualify for the last 16 as long as they beat Poland on Wednesday. A draw could be enough, depending on the result of the game between Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

READ MORE: Will Argentina Progress If They Draw With Poland?

Messi's Six In A Row

Messi had scored from the penalty spot in Argentina's loss to Saudi Arabia earlier in the week.

Prior to the World Cup, he had found the net in wins over the UAE, Jamaica, Honduras, Estonia and Italy.