Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski admitted relief with Poland alive and into the World Cup round of 16.

Lewandowski admitted Poland's loss to Lionel Messi's Argentina was a "happy defeat" as he prepared for the "huge challenge" of France in the World Cup round of 16.

The Barcelona striker was a passenger as his side were dominated in a 2-0 reverse against Argentina on Wednesday.

However, Mexico's 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia was not enough for them to jump into second place ahead of Poland, who reach the knockout rounds on goal difference.

“I guess it's the first time I felt you can be happy after a loss," Lewandowski told reporters. "You can say it's a happy defeat.

"I'm not happy with the way we played. Of course not. We can't be happy with the game itself. We didn't want to take any risk and, you know, we achieved our result because we reached the next round. Even though we lost, we can be happy."

Next up for Poland is a tricky tie against world champions France for a place in the quarterfinals in Qatar.

“It's another favorite to win the world championship and we've nothing to lose," Lewandowski added. “We know what kind of players they have but we have to enjoy it and do our best. We have to fight (…) France will be a huge challenge and we have to play better than today."