Lionel Messi reignited Argentina's World Cup challenge with a superb goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico Saturday.
Rocked by a stunning upset defeat against Saudi Arabia Tuesday, Argentina faced Mexico knowing that a defeat would send them crashing out of the tournament.
But Messi breathed fresh life into Argentina's campaign with his eighth World Cup goal in his fifth appearance in the finals.
The 35-year old maestro, desperate to crown his glittering career by lifting football's greatest prize, rifled home a low shot on 64 minutes to put Argentina en route to victory.
Rising star Enzo Fernandez made the game safe with a magical curling strike in the 87th minute, sparking wild celebrations among Argentina fans at the glittering Lusail Stadium.
An Argentinian victory Wednesday against Poland - who were 2-0 winners over Saudi Arabia earlier Saturday - will carry the South American champions into the knockout rounds from Group C.
"We knew that we had to win, that another World Cup was starting for us, and we knew how to do it," Messi said.
Manchester United center-back Lisandro Martinez came into the team for their must-win clash.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made five changes from the team that succumbed so meekly to the Saudis in their opening match.
Three of those were in defence where full-backs Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel also came in with Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico dropping to the bench.
Alexis Mac Allister and Guido Rodriguez came into midfield in place of Leandro Paredes and Alejandro Gomez, alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Angel di Maria in a 4-4-2.
Mexico's Argentine coach Gerardo Martino made three changes from the team that started in the 0-0 draw with Poland, bringing in captain Andres Guardado in midfield and defenders Nestor Araujo and Kevin Alvarez in a 5-3-2 formation.
Henry Martin, Jorge Sanchez and Edson Alvarez miss outed from the last match.
Argentina (4-4-2):
Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuna; Rodrigo De Paul, Guido Rodriguez, Alexis Mac Allister, Angel Di Maria; Lionel Messi (capt), Lautaro Martinez
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Mexico (5-3-2)
Guillermo Ochoa; Jesus Gallardo, Hector Moreno, Cesar Montes, Nestor Araujo, Kevin Alvarez; Luis Chavez, Andres Guardado (capt), Hector Herrera; Alexis Vega, Hirving Lozano
Coach: Gerardo Martino (Argentina)
Referee: Daniele Orsato (Italy)
