PSG super star, Lionel Messi produced a moment of magic and sheer determination to get La Albiceleste FIFA World Cup dreams back on track with a hard earned 2-0 win in their second group game at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament.
A shock loss to Saudi Arabia had put Argentina’s World Cup bid within one more loss of coming to a premature end, but Messi’s goal in the 64th minute gave his team the breakthrough his team desperately needed against a fiercely competitive Mexico side.
With Mexico throwing the kitchen sink in search of an equalizer, Benfica playmaker Enzo Fernandez curled a ball into the top right corner to seal the result. It’s a goal that also helped Argentina in the goal differential department.
A shock loss to Saudi Arabia had put Argentina’s World Cup bid within one more loss of coming to a premature end, but Messi’s goal in the 64th minute gave his team the breakthrough his team desperately needed against a fiercely competitive Mexico side.
With Mexico throwing the kitchen sink in search of an equalizer, Benfica playmaker Enzo Fernandez curled a ball into the top right corner to seal the result. It’s a goal that also helped Argentina in the goal differential department.
Messi will face Robert Lewandowski at the Mundial in a crucial group C clash on Wednesday evening with round of 16 spot up for grabs.
Mexico now need to win at all costs — and by multiple goals — against Saudi Arabia in the group finale to have a chance of advancing.
Argentina could go top of the table should México beat Saudi Arabia in the other group C game and could be eliminated from the Group stage if they lose or draw with Saudi Arabia winning or México getting a big win over the Asians on Wednesday evening.
Goals:
ARG — Lionel Messi — 64th min.
ARG — Enzo Fernandez — 87th min.
Lineups:
Argentina (4-3-3, right to left): 23-E. Martinez (GK) — 4-Montiel, 25-L. Martinez, 19-Otamendi, 8-Acuna — 7-De Paul, 18-G. Rodriguez (24-Fernandez, 57′), 20-Mac Allister — 11-Di Maria, 22-L. Martinez, 10-Messi.
Mexico (5-3-2, right to left): 13-Ochoa (GK) — 26-Alvarez (Antuna 65′), 2-Araujo, 3-Montes, 15-Moreno, 23-Gallardo — 24-Chavez, 16-Herrera, 18-Guardado (14-Gutierrez, 41′) — 22-Lozano (Alvarado 73′), 10-Vega (Jimenez 65′)
By: D. N. A. MENSAH, Daily Mail GH /Follow the writer @SkipperWrites on Twitter
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