Poland also went through on goal difference, having finished level on points with Mexico, who beat Saudi Arabia 2-1.

After Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the first half, Brighton and Hove Albion player Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead a minute into the second half before Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez doubled the advantage with a top-corner finish in the 67th minute.

It was agony for Mexico despite the victory.

Henry Martin scored the opener from a Cesar Montes flick two minutes after the break.

Five minutes later, Luis Chavez scored a sensational 30-yard free-kick as the Lusail Stadium erupted.

But Gerardo Martino's side needed one more goal to prevent them from going out according to FIFA's fair play rule.

Mexico had seven yellow cards to Poland’s five and were desperately searching for a third goal when Salem Al Dawsari's late consolation ended all hopes for El Tri.

Earlier, France, who had already qualified for the next round, suffered a shock loss to Tunisia.

Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazi scored a great goal after dribbling through midfield in the 58th minute.

France had a stoppage-time goal from Antoine Griezmann ruled out for offside.

But Tunisia’s hopes of getting to the next round were over before the Griezmann strike as Australia managed to edge Denmark 1-0 in the other Group D match.

In the 60th minute, Mathew Leckie finished a top counter-attacking move to beat Kasper Schmeichel with a low shot to stun the Danes.