Coming in as one of the favorites for the trophy, Argentina crashed back down to earth after a shock loss to Saudi Arabia and needed a win against Mexico to revive their World Cup hopes.
Up stepped Lionel Messi.
In what is most likely the 35-year-old’s final chance to lift the coveted trophy, the PSG forward gave Argentina the lead with a well struck shot in the 65th minute.
Argentina had to live through a closely-fought first half with Mexico’s 3-5-2 formation proving a tough nut to crack. After playing out a goalless draw against Poland in heir opening game, Mexico knew that a point against the Albiceleste would mean a win against Saudi Arabia would send them into the last-16 and they played like it. Gerardo Martino’s men looked happy to merely protect the backline and play out a scoreless draw.
Going in at half time, they knew they just needed to stand firm for another 45 minutes but Messi and Argentina made sure they would be the ones celebrating.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner picked up Angel Di Maria‘s pass outside the box and found the bottom corner of Guillermo Ochoa‘s goal, blowing the roof off the Lusali stadium.
With three minutes left in the game, Messi turned provider as he found substitute Enzo Fernandez who cut inside and curled a gorgeous finish past Ochoa.
Now, Argentina need a win in their final game against Poland on Wednesday to secure their place in the last 16 and keep their World Cup dream alive.
“Today starts another World Cup for Argentina,” Messi said after the game. “I tell people the same thing, that they continue to believe.“
Lionel Messi has now scored 8 goals at the World Cup for Argentina, tying the late Diego Maradona, with only Gabriel Batistuta with 10 goals netting more.
Mexico remains scoreless at the World Cup after their first two games. If the team fails to win its final game against Saudi Arabia by at least two goals and Argentina fails to beat Poland by at least two goals, it will mark the first time Mexico has failed to get out of the group stage since 1978.
