Sublime strikes by Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez earned Argentina a 2-0 win over feisty Mexico in a pulsating atmosphere at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday and got the South American favourites' World Cup campaign up and running.
Stunned 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their opening Group C match, Argentina knew defeat would send them out of the tournament but they started poorly, struggling to cope with Mexico's high press as Messi was denied time and space to operate.
Argentina's captain was anonymous in the first half, his sole contribution of note a header that ballooned over the bar, as his team failed to carve out a single decent chance. But picked out by Angel Di Maria just outside the Mexico box in the 64th minute, Messi made no mistake, arrowing a low shot through a crowd of defenders into the corner. Fernandez doubled the lead in the 87th with a wonderful curling effort.
The win took Argentina up to second place on three points, one behind leaders Poland, who they play in their last group match. Saudi Arabia are third, level on points with Argentina but with an inferior goal difference.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Argentina look to Messi to salvage World Cup bidA stunning 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia has left Argentina, who arrived in Doha on a 36-match unbeaten run and as one of the overall favourites, in a precarious position.
Read more »
Argentina coach: Messi is physically & emotionally ready | KickOffArgentina head coach Lionel Scaloni insists that captain Lionel Messi is physically and emotionally ready for their must-win clash against Mexico. Read more ➡️
Read more »
Mexico Coach: I Have To Do Everything To Stop Messi | Soccer LadumaMexico head coach Gerardo Martino, who also coached FC Barcelona, says he will do everything to stop Lionel Messi this evening. SLInt MORE:
Read more »
Messi helps Argentina secure first World Cup win | KickOffArgentina collected their first win at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Mexico, with Lionel Messi netting his second goal of the tournament on Saturday night. Read more ➡️
Read more »
Mexico game will be like a final for Argentina, says LautaroMexico game will be like a final for Argentina, says Lautaro: Argentina are looking to put their shock 2-1 opening defeat by Saudi Arabia behind them as they prepare for their World Cup Group C match against Mexico on Saturday, a game they now feel they…
Read more »
Mexico game will be like a final for Argentina, says LautaroArgentina are looking to put their shock 2-1 opening defeat by Saudi Arabia behind them as they prepare for their World Cup Group C match against Mexico on Saturday, a game they now feel they absolutely must win.
Read more »