Lionel Messi and Argentina are currently in a win-win situation as they face Poland in the Group C match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Thursday (December 1). A win for Argentina could seal the spot for them, but it also depends on the head-to-head result Saudi Arabia and Mexico, which will take place at the same time. The seven-time Ballon d’Or and its troops will clash with Poland, who currently lead the group with four points under their belt. (Robert Lewandowski’s Poland vs Lionel Messi’s Argentina FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE Streaming: How to Watch POL vs ARG and Soccer World Cup Matches Free Online & on TV in India)
FIFA World Cup 2022: Three possible scenarios in Argentina’s final group stage match against Poland
1) If Argentina beat Poland
If Argentina beat Poland’s Lionel Messi, they’ll be 6 points behind. However, if Saudi Arabia puts in another spectacular performance against Mexico, they will be level with Argentina. Currently, Argentina has the advantage of qualifying as they are goals ahead of Mexico in goal difference. That makes the scenario difficult for Saudi Arabia as they need to beat Mexico by a good margin of goals to clinch the Group C spot.
2) If Argentina draws against Poland
If Argentina draws against Poland, qualification for the knockout stage of the World Cup will depend on the result of Saudi Arabia and Mexico. However, if Saudi Arabia win against Mexico, they will go top of the table with Poland second on five points meaning Messi and co will be eliminated from the World Cup.
3) If Argentina loses to Poland
The Qatar tournament is over for Lionel Messi and co if they lose to Poland regardless of Mexico and Saudi Arabia’s result.