Lionel Messi equaled Diego Maradona World Cup goalscoring record as Argentina defeated Mexico 2-0 in their second Group C fixture on Sunday night to keep the hope of progressing to the next round alive.

Following a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia earlier in the tournament, a defeat in today’s decisive game against Mexico would have ended Argentina’s journey in Qatar but two goals in the second half by Messi and Fernandez were enough for the 2014 finalists.

The highly-contested first half of the important game ended with neither of the two sides being unable to break the deadlock at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.

The major highlight of the first half came in the 45th minute with Mexican forward Alexis Vega free-kick. Vega curled an accurate free-kick, aiming towards the top left corner of the post but it was saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Messi finally broke the deadlock for Argentina in the 64th minute with a stunning low-level shot from 25-yard out to put the South African team ahead.

With the goal, Messi equalled Diego Maradona eight goals tally as Argentina’s second highest scorer in the FIFA World Cup. Gabriel Batistuta still holds the record with 10 goals.

Enzo Fernandez scored a worldie inside the Mexico 18-yard box from an assist by Messi to seal the scintillating victory for Argentina.

The race to the teams that would qualify from group to the knockout phase of the competition now on until the final group games.

Poland on four points, Argentina and Saudi Arabia on three points each and Mexico with a point, all have the chances of progressing to the round of 16.