Argentinian footballers beat Mexico 2-0 in the second match of the World Cup. After the first 1: 2 defeat against Saudi Arabia in Group C, he scored for the first time.
The favorites fought hard in Lusail, but Lionel Messi opened the scoring after an hour and the captain’s star then set up the second goal for substitute Enzo Fernández in the 87th minute.
The defending South American league champions scored their first points in Group C after a shocking 1-2 opening defeat to Saudi Arabia and remained in contention for a place in the round of 16. The Mexicans have only one point for the 0:0 draw with Poland, they have not won or scored for the fourth time in a row at the World Cup.
The Argentines will close the first part of the tournament against Poland on Wednesday. They beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 today and lead the table by four points. Mexico will compete against Saudi Arabia “from three points” in a parallel game.
“We especially put ourselves in trouble. In the first half we kept the ball more, but we lacked better movement and we didn’t resolve some situations well. We managed to improve, but it was certainly not an ideal performance on our part But we won, which is very important for us” Messi said in a TV Interview.
Argentina coach Scaloni has made five changes to his starting line-up since the match against Saudi Arabia. Right from the start, for example, defender Montiel or midfielders Guido Rodríguez and Mac Allister had a chance.
The two-time world champions did not create any big chances in the first half despite solid Mexican defence. Just before the break, Argentinian Lautaro Martínez’s header was inaccurate. At the other end, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez intercepted Vega’s free kick with a spectacular jump. “We knew it would be a difficult match because Mexico play defensively. The first half wasn’t good for us,” said Scaloni.
The image of the game did not change much even at the beginning of the second act. Messi first sent the ball high over the bar from a free kick. In the 64th minute, however, the 35-year-old striker exceptionally got more space from the Mexicans and beat goalkeeper Ochoa with a shot placed on the ground from outside the penalty area.
Messi scored his second goal of the Qatar tournament and eighth overall at the World Cup, equaling his legendary predecessor Diego Maradona. The Paris St. Germain striker improved his international record to 93 goals in 167 games.
“Against a very strong opponent, we kept our heads up for 60 minutes. But then we made a small mistake in midfield and Messi got the ball,” said Mexico coach Gerardo Martino. “As long as we have a chance, we will fight for it. In the last match we will try to beat Saudi Arabia,” added the Argentinian coach.
His protégés didn’t bother to answer. Three minutes before the end, the youngest player of the Argentine team, Fernández added the insurance. The 21-year-old midfielder scored an exhibition shot after Messi’s pass. Fernández scored his first goal in his fifth international start.
Argentina are undefeated against Mexico in their 11th consecutive match and won their fourth World Cup match.
FIFA World Cup Qatar – Group C (Lusail):
Argentina – Mexico 2:0 (0:0)
Targets: 64. Messi, 87. Fernández. Referee: Orsato – Carbone, Giallatini – Irrati (video, all it.). ŽK: Montiel – Araújo, Gutiérrez, Herrera, Alvarado. Spectators: 88,966.
Argentina: E. Martinez – Montiel (63. Molina), Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Acuňa – De Paul, G. Rodriguez (57. Fernandez) – Di Maria (69. Rosemary), Messi, Mac Allister (69. Palacios) – Lautaro Martinez (63.J.Alvarez). Coach: Scaloni.
Mexico: Ochoa – Montes, Araújo, Moreno – K. Alvarez (66. Jimenez), Herrera, Guardado (41. Gutierrez), Chavez, Gallardo – Lozano (73. Alvarado), Vega (66. Antuna). Coach: Martin.
