FIFA World Cup Group C preview: It's Lionel Messi's last dance - can Argentina go all the way?

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of, if not the, greatest footballers of all time - but for some, you can't be considered the best until you win the ultimate trophy.

In a lot of ways, that's an unfair expectation - there are a million things that go into winning a World Cup, and they all have to go right to reach the promised land, even if you are the best player in the world.

But had Gonzalo Higuain not missed one sitter in 2014, and been offside when he did eventually stick the ball in the back of net, Messi would already have a World Cup to his name.

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His nation's lack of international success was often used as a stick to beat him with, until last year's Copa America - but even winning South America's premier competition isn't enough for some.

Rightly or wrongly, it's World Cup or bust for the 35-year-old. Perhaps he'll still be around in 2026, but this looms as the last dance.

Few neutrals would begrudge him the success.

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Argentina as a whole have a more well-rounded squad than four years ago, and are presented with a group that should provide little challenge if they're at their best.

Poland and Mexico are both able to challenge top teams if things go right, but it's La Albiceleste's group to lose.

From there, anything's possible.

Teams (FIFA World Ranking)

Argentina (3)

While the likes of Uruguay and Ecuador had to fight for every point to narrowly secure the third and fourth spots in South America, both Argentina and Brazil cruised. Neither lost a game, and the former wrapped up their spot in Qatar with four games to spare.

Saudi Arabia (51)

Saudi Arabia's spot was locked up after Australia's frustrating loss to Japan in Sydney earlier this year - they ended up topping the group after beating the Socceroos in a dead rubber in the final round a few days later.

Mexico (13)

They were only mathematically assured of qualification on the final day, but with both the USA and Costa Rica playing each other, the hard work was already done - and they would eventually finish second in North America, behind Canada.

Poland (26)

Poland finished runners up in their group but were given a bye into the play-off final after Russia were kicked out - they matched up against Sweden in a one-off game for a spot in Qatar, and came away 2-0 winners.

Fixtures:

Argentina vs Saudi Arabia - Tuesday November 22, 9pm (AEDT)

Mexico vs Poland - Wednesday November 23, 3am

Poland vs Saudi Arabia - Sunday November 27, 12am

Argentina vs Mexico - Sunday November 27, 6am

Poland vs Argentina - Thursday December 1, 6am

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico - Thursday December 1, 6am

Prediction:

Mexico have one of the most incredible records at the World Cup, advancing to exactly the round of 16 at every tournament between 1994 and 2018. We expect that to continue here, while Argentina should qualify comfortably on top.

1st: Argentina

2nd: Mexico

3rd: Poland

4th: Saudi Arabia

Australia's 26-player squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Australia's 26-player squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup