Lionel Messi's shot came out of nowhere and scored a wonderful goal in the 64th minute.
Captain Lionel Messi said Argentina took the pressure off their World Cup opener defeat to Saudi Arabia after beating Mexico on Saturday and can now take it easy in their final group match against Poland.
Second-half goals from Messi and Enzo Fernandez helped Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 at the Lusail Stadium to move into second place in Group C, one point behind Poland.
"It's a load off our shoulders," Messi said. "We have peace of mind and it's in our hands again."
Mexico's high press weakened Argentina's attack in the first half before Messi's spectacular 64th-minute strike eased the pressure on a side who would have been eliminated from the tournament had they lost.
"I think the first half was difficult because of the situation and our need to win," Messi said. "We didn't find space. We weren't moving the ball from side to side.
"But in the second half we started doing what we stand for. We started finding space between the lines and then the goal changed the game.
"We needed the win but the game had to be played that way. We had to win to give everyone peace of mind and to be able to look at the game for Poland in a different way."
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his team were under a lot of pressure before the match and the overwhelming feeling after the win was one of relief.
"We should have more common sense. It's just a football game," he said. "It's not good, the feeling that you're playing something more than a football match. It's not good.
"The feeling is relieved for all of us (but) we need to make some adjustments.
"We have to try to make the players feel that it's a football game because every time we need to play a match, or go to the knockout stage, a tournament or whatever, always with Argentina. This will happen.
"Of course it's hard to explain to people that the sun will shine tomorrow whether you win or lose. And what matters is how you did things, if you did it in the best possible way. That's what we always try to do." " ,
Scaloni also appealed to his players to stay grounded after the win and focus on the task ahead. Argentina can guarantee progress with a win over Poland on Wednesday.
"Maybe you think I'm crazy, but we can say yes, we want to enjoy. Of course they enjoy the moment in the dressing room. I enjoyed the moment too.
"But that's all. Tomorrow, we will prepare the next game, the same thing we did when we won the Copa America (last year).
"Happiness lasts only for a few minutes. We need to find that emotional balance, whether we win or lose. That's what we need."
"Poland will be a tough match. That's the reality... I wouldn't say we'll try, I'll say we'll win the game. That's what we all want. And if it doesn't happen, we'll bring our A game." " Like we did today."
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