FIFA World Cup 2022: Mercurial Lionel Messi strikes vs Mexico to keep Argentina alive in competition

The stadium bowed down to Lionel Messi’s brilliance yet again as the mercurial star rescued Argentina against Mexico in a tightly contested affair.

Messi’s low shot in the second half was the difference between the two sides till the very final minutes before Enzo Fernandez’s curling effort took the game away from Mexico.

The veteran and the 21-year-old youngster gave Argentina much needed breathing space in their group table, keeping the hopes alive of reaching the Round of 16. Argentina had fell to a shock defeat against Saudi Arabia that prompted 5 changes in their squad tonight, but their 2-0 win against a gritty Mexico once again restored their reputation as one of the best sides in the competition.

Lionel Messi was key for Argentina, first breaking the deadlock and then assisting Fernandez in the 87th minute of the game.

Record goal on record appearance
Lionel Messi equalled Diego Maradona’s 21st appearance in the FIFA World Cup as he took the field for Argentina. Messi’s goal on the night, his 8th was also the joint highest by an Argentine striker, alongside Guillermo Stabile and Maradona. The former Barcelona man had one of those games where it became difficult to take the ball off him as the game progressed. Mexico tried hard to rough up Messi, but as the legs tired, Messi’s influence grew on the ball, finding the right spaces and the correct opportunities at the goal.

Mexico lose track in second half
Mexico began the game well, but could not resond to Argentina’s changes. Lionel Scaloni made changes in the midfield, attack as well as in the full back positions, which opened up the play for Argentina. With Lautaro Martinez and Montiel struggling at their respective positions, Scaloni sought to bring in players who could outrun the Mexican legs with ease. This created more opportunities for Argentina, who at the end prevailed.

Terrible first half
One of the most drab first half displays of the current edition of the FIFA World Cup, Argentina and Mexico failed to get any meaningful possession of the ball.

Argentina were heavily booed by the fans while trying to build up play from the back line, as they stitched up a few lateral passes, failing to go forward with the ball. The best chances of the first half, came through two freekicks, one for each side. Alexis Vega’s powerful right footer was snatched out of thin air by a flying Emi Martinez, while Lionel Messi swerving effort from close to the right touchline was fisted away by Guillermo Ochoa.

It will be a lie to tell that Argentina were the dominant side in the first half, as Mexico showed a lot of courage off the ball, closing in on Argentine players as quickly as possible.

This was not the case in the second half of the match, as tiring Mexican legs gave the Argentines split second extra on the ball, which suited to the playing style of the Lionel Scaloni side.

Mexico now have to win both their games to go through to the next round, while Argentina have, at least for the time being, put themselves out of danger of getting knocked out in the group stages.