Lionel Messi found back of the net yet again to inspire Argentina to a 2-0 win over Mexico, their first victory in the World Cup so far.
Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia was the biggest surprise of the competition thus far, sending Lionel Scaloni’s squad to the bottom of the standings prior to their encounter against Mexico.
Even though they had the upper hand in recent meetings with El Tri, winning seven of their past eight games, including victories in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, the Albiceleste would have been ousted if they had failed on Saturday night.
Argentina overcame Mexico 2-0 at the Lusail Stadium, despite sometimes not giving their best effort, to keep alive their chances of moving on to the knockout rounds.
FT Argentina 2-0 Mexico
⚽ 64': Messi
⚽ 86': FernandezLionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez keep #ARG's World Cup dreams alive 🏆
Are they still one of your favourites to win the tournament?#FIFAWorldCup | #ARGMEX pic.twitter.com/munwv45WBk
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 26, 2022
Messi proved to be the key after his team’s scoreless first half, as is so often the case.
He gave the Albiceleste the lead halfway through the second half with a goal from 25 yards out, then 23 minutes later, he exchanged positions and assisted Fernandez on an excellent second goal.
Mexico displayed tenacity, but their play in the final third lacked all quality, which led to them finishing last in the group and Argentina moving up to second.
To finish the group stage, Mexico will play Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, and Argentina will play Poland.
Argentina 2-0 Mexico! The South American champions have arrived! 🔥🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/n5EqmiRc7F
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 26, 2022
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