Lionel Messi draws level with Diego Maradona on World Cup goals for Argentina

Lionel Messi has drawn level with Argentina legend Diego Maradona on World Cup goals following his super strike against Mexico on Saturday.

Argentina were poor in the first half, but Messi broke the deadlock with a fantastic low drive from outside the box after 64 minutes to give the South Americans a vital victory following their disappointing defeat to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

Messi, playing in his fifth World Cup, netted from the penalty spot in that match and his goal against Mexico took him to eight goals in the tournament.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored against Serbia and Montegro in 2006, but had to wait until 2014 for his next World Cup goals. He netted three in Brazil, versus Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria.

He added only one at Russia 2018, against Nigeria, but his two in this tournament mean he has matched Argentina legend Maradona.

Maradona, who passed away a year ago on Friday, coached Messi in the 2010 World Cup.

Messi is yet to win a World Cup, but his hopes of claiming the trophy remain intact after Argentina's 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday moved the Albiceleste up to second place in Group C.