Lionel Messi for the second successive time is almost in an early knockout scenario in their last group stage game of the World Cup when Argentina face Poland in Stadium 974 Wednesday.
Despite the disappointing start to the tournament with a defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia, the Albiceleste can assure their spot in the Round of 16 with just a win - including a chance to top the group unless Saudis win big - thanks to their captain-inspired 2-0 victory over Mexico on matchday two.
Even a draw can make the two-time world champions' progress possible if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also draw, while a win for the Mexicans takes the group to goal difference.
Last time after a draw with Iceland and woeful 3-0 defeat against the eventual runners-up Croatia, Argentina had to beat Nigeria.
Their all-time top scorer Messi came to the rescue with a wonderful right-footed finish to mesmerize the Saint Petersburg crowd in Russia.
This time around, the talisman has already rescued his side once in the second match when the Mexican defense lacked concentration for a few seconds to give Messi a breather just outside the box in the 64th minute of the game.
The master took full advantage, driving a grounded shot from 25 meters into the bottom corner to beat a full-stretched Guillermo Ochoa.
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Until that breathtaking moment, the masterplan by the Argentine-born Mexican coach Gerardo Tata Martino - who also coached Messi and Co when they were ousted by Chile in two successive Copa America finals on penalties in 2015 and 2016 – was almost working perfect.
Now the Argentina No 10 has to do it all over again against Poland, who are led by another veteran and prolific striker of the generation, Robert Lewandowski, who has enjoyed a near-perfect career.
It could be the 34-year old's very last match in the biggest ever stage of football.
Messi has netted 13 goals for Argentina in 2022 - already a career-high haul in a single calendar year – and will hope to score for the third straight match at this World Cup.
Inevitably their gameplans are all centered around the No 10 and Poland, the opponents, are preparing to neutralize this threat.
The Poles on the other hand will be through with a win or a draw, but would be knocked out by a defeat if Saudi Arabia win.
Goal difference will come to play if Saudi Arabia draw or lose to Mexico.