Photo: Collected
Metropolis Desk-
36-match unbeaten, Argentina started their World Cup mission with high hopes but lost to Saudi Arabia in the first match. The football world was waiting to see how Lionel Messi and his team would come back after one of the biggest World Cup blows.
Argentina did not disappoint them. They defeated Mexico 2-0 in the fight for survival in the World Cup. Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandes scored for the team.
The 80,000 spectators at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar wanted an exceptional performance from Messi in such a stressful match. The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner did not disappoint them. He scored an aesthetic goal and assisted Fernandes in achieving another for his team.
However, the beginning of the match was quite difficult for Argentina. Mexico started playing pressing football from the very first minute. The Mexicans were not giving space to any Argentinian player.
Mexico made 10 fouls in the first half. However, their ball possession was 32 percent. 68 percent of the ball was at the feet of Messi-Di Maria’s team. Mexico had a couple of chances but couldn’t use them. The first half ended in a goalless situation.
Argentina regained themselves after the break. Mexico, who pressed in the first half, could not sustain the pressure in the second half. As a result, Messi-led Argentina began to gain ground. In the 64th minute came the desired moment for Argentina.
Lionel Messi received the ball from Angel Di Maria outside the D box and beat Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from outside the box with an impeccable trademark shot.
After that one goal, Argentina took control of the match. In the 87th minute, Fernandes dribbled into the box from the left side after receiving the ball from Messi’s pass. The 21-year-old youngster fooled the defender and curled the ball into the net.
After that goal, relief returned to the Argentina camp. The rest of the time, Mexico could not mount any effective attack. Messi’s team left the field with a 2-0 victory and survived the World Cup.
