Argentina completed a stunning group stage turnaround on Wednesday night, progressing as group winners with a 2-0 win over Poland having lost their opening game in a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia.
Messi scored a superb opener in the victory over Mexico on Saturday which sparked the revival and had the chance to score from 12 yards against Poland after VAR ruled he had been fouled by Wojciech Szczesny with an outstretched hand.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper produced a stunning save to deny Messi and ensure the game remained goalless heading into half-time.
Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez spared his blushes with second-half goals, with Messi paying tribute the manner in which his side responded.
‘I’m angry that I missed the penalty, but the team came out stronger after my mistake.
‘We knew that when the first goal went in, it was going to change the game,’ Messi said.
He continued: ‘We have to be calm and take it one game at a time. Now another World Cup begins and hopefully we can continue what we did today.
‘The previous game [against Mexico] gave us a lot of peace of mind and we went out onto the pitch [today] thinking we had to win.’
Argentina will now take on Australia on their last 16 match and will face either Netherlands or USA should their progress to the quarter-finals.
Australia reached the knock-out phase with a superb victory over Denmark earlier in the afternoon with Messi not underestimating the Socceroos.
The match with Australia is going to be very difficult,’ he said.
‘Anyone can beat anyone, it’s all very evenly matched. We have to prepare for the game as well as we always do.’
MORE : Argentina qualify for knock-out stages of World Cup with Poland joining them on goal difference in thrilling group finale
MORE : Mexico captain Andres Guardado responds defends Lionel Messi after being accused of ‘disrespect’ by Canelo Alvarez
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