Argentina defeated fighting Mexico 2-0 in their World Cup Group C encounter on Saturday, with Lionel Messi scoring in the 64th minute and Enzo Fernandez adding another late in the game to rekindle Argentina’s campaign ambitions.
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Messi, who tied Diego Maradona’s Argentina record with 21 World Cup appearances, was unable to be seen for more than an hour before scooping up an Angel Di Maria ball, finding just enough space, and firing in with his left foot from 20 yards.
In the 87th minute, substitute Fernandez curled a beautiful goal into the top corner to secure the three points.
The win restored order for Argentina in Group C after their shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opener.
Argentina, which has three points, may advance if they defeat Poland, which has four points, in their last game on Wednesday.
Mexico, who have now lost all four World Cup meetings with Argentina, have one point and must beat Saudi Arabia, who have three, to keep their streak of reaching the last 16 in the previous seven World Cups alive, but even that may not be enough.
With Argentina on the verge of elimination, tensions were high both on and off the field in a rough first half, but the two sets of fans created an incredible atmosphere in the stadium.
The first phase did not live up to the match’s hype, with neither team preferring to commit too many men forward, and there were few chances, save from a free kick by Mexico’s Luis Chavez in the ninth minute that went beyond the goalmouth.
Mexico’s heavy pressing tactics hindered the majority of their opponents’ offense, and Argentina’s star Messi struggled to find any room to maneuver in a crowded midfield.
Argentina was impotent up front, save for a poor effort from Lautaro Martinez and another from Messi.
But, in a big setback for Mexico, captain Andres Guardado, a five-time World Cup winner who had been a controlling presence in midfield until then, was forced off hurt in the 42nd minute.
However, the Mexicans still managed to create two more opportunities before halftime. Alexis Vega first curled a free kick over the wall for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to save, and then he sent a shot over the crossbar minutes later.
After the half, the South Americans were more resolute, but they had little hope of winning until their 35-year-old skipper scored his second goal of the competition to save them.
After Fernandez’s late goal clinched Argentina’s first victory in the competition and revived Messi’s dreams of winning his first World Cup, the crowd erupted in applause once more.