FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi’s Magic against Mexico helps Argentina to keep their hopes alive in the tournament

After being humbled by Saudi Arabia in a shocking upset, Argentina took on Mexico in their second match of the campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Notably in Argentina’s first match in this ongoing edition, the 51-ranked Saudi Arabia surprised the entire footballing world by defeating La Selección by a margin of 2-1.

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Moving on from that defeat in the tournament, Messi’s men locked horns with Andres Guardado-led Mexican team in a must-win match. Both teams played this match at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar’s city of Al Daayen.

Two-time World Champions Argentina fielded a lineup of 4-4-2 in comparison to the 5-3-2 of El Tri.

With said that, here we’ll give a look at the entire action that happened at the 80,000 spectators-capacity Lusail stadium.

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Here's how Messi and debutant Enzo Fernandez turned the tables for Argentina

Speaking of the first half, Mexicans dominated against the World’s third-ranked football team. Andres Guardado & co managed to hit more shots than Argentina. Apart from that, Mexico also registered one shot on target to their name at the time of the first-half whistle. But if it is to talk about pass accuracy, Argentina was a bit better than Mexico with 86 percent of accurate passes.

The score line of 0-0 remained static for the first 19 minutes of the second half. But the contemporary football legend and star right winger, Lionel Messi had some other plans being exceptionally active in the office.  The 35-year-old PSG star smashed a brilliant goal as he completely outclassed senior Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to score the first goal for Argentina in the 64^th minute of the match. Argentina maintained a lead of 1-0 till the final moments of the regulation time.

But the substitute and the 21-year-old debutant Enzo Fernandez stunned everyone by scoring his international career’s first goal for Argentina. He made the lead 2-0 in favor of his team with his first goal in the FIFA World Cup 2022 as well.

Eventually, the Argentines registered a victory of 2-0 in their second match and now they have moved to the second spot of the points table of Group C with 3 points to their name.