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Stefan Tonev
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Messi misses penalty but Argentina progress to knockout stages
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Poland also reached last of 16 despite losing 2-0

Paris Saint-Germain star Leo Messi had a penalty saved but Argentina still advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup as Group C winners after a comfortable 2-0 win over Poland on Wednesday.

However, the Poles went through as runners-up. A 2-1 win for Mexico over Saudi Arabia in the group’s other game meant Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side advanced on goal difference.

Poland goalkeeper Wojciech 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.

But Alexis Mac Allister scored his first international goal in the 46th minute to settle Argentina’s nerves and Julian Alvarez doubled their lead just over 20 minutes later after combining well with Enzo Fernandez, who made his first start for La Albiceleste.

Poland were still walking a tightrope with yellow cards potentially crucial to their chances of reaching the last 16.

Grzegorz Krychowiak was booked in the 83rd minute but Saudi Arabia scored late against Mexico and the Poles safely through on goal difference.

Argentina will meet Australia for a place in the quarter-finals while Poland face the world champions France