Argentina 2-0 Mexico: Argentina kept their FIFA WC 2022 campaign alive on Saturday as they beat Mexico 2-0 in their Group C match at Lusail Stadium.
Messi scored a beauty before setting up Enzo Fernandez for another sublime effort to ensure they continue their World Cup journey in Qatar.
FIRST HALF
It was an intense start to the contest as the atmosphere went wild with Mexico starting on the front foot.
Argentina did not get too much of the ball and were slow to start cracking in the contest.
Tackles flying in the center of the park showcased the CONCACAF side’s desire to take control of proceedings.
Intense 💥 pic.twitter.com/ZoDOFKXAoi
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 26, 2022
15 fouls were committed in the half with just one shot on target; being Vega’s freekick saved by Martinez.
There was a lack of quality in the final third from either side as the contest was fiercely fought.
SECOND HALF
Argentina began the 2nd half on the front foot and immediately applied pressure, as they pinned the Mexico team and did not allow them to get up the pitch.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Top 5 performers from FIFA World Cup 2022 Match-week 1; see this list
The pressure intensified as the clock ticked. But the moment of telling came in the 64th minute as Messi lashed home from 25 yards to send La Albiceleste fans into euphoria.
A decent piece of play saw Di Maria take the ball down the wing before sending a bounce pass to the captain.
Diego Maradona: Eight goals in 21 games
Leo Messi: Eight goals in 21 gamesMessi is now tied with Maradona for goals at the World Cup 🇦🇷🤝 pic.twitter.com/8UxPcosECO
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 26, 2022
Messi took a touch before finding the bottom corner with a piece of magic through his sumptuous effort.
Argentina applied further pressure and Mexico’s tiring legs were evident that they were 2nd best.
The CONMEBOL side wrapped up the contest in the 87th minute when Enzo Fernandes scored a sublime curling effort.
Fernandez received a short pass from Messi and executed a couple of stepovers, before the Benfica lad dispatched a curler past Ochoa.
Mexico was determined but lacked quality in the final third; hereby losing a grip on the contest.
This brought the contest to a close as Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 to keep their WC campaign alive.
With this result, Argentina jumped to 2nd in the Group while Mexico drop down to the bottom.
