Lionel Messi scored a sensational goal to help Argentina produce one of the narrow World Cup results of the weekend action. Argentina was aware that a loss would spell elimination following their surprise 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia. Up until Messi’s 65th-minute intervention, they labored once more. The 35-year-old, who is likely competing in his final World Cup, picked up Angel Di Maria’s pass outside the box and unleashed a direct shot into the bottom corner to open the scoring in a tense and violent game. Three minutes from the end, substitute Enzo Fernandez took a ball, cut inside, and curled an incredible goal past Guillermo Ochoa. Messi, who had changed roles, was now the game’s supplier.
After Argentina’s defeat against Saudi Arabia, manager Lionel Scaloni made five changes to his lineup, including adding Brighton’s Alexis MacAllister and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez. Messi failed to have an impact in the first half, and Lautaro Martinez cut a lonely figure in front of him as Argentina continued their disjointed and uninspired play from Tuesday’s game. Mexico, who were more dangerous than Argentina in the first half, only had one shot on goal before the break, a free kick from Alexis Vega that Emi Martinez comfortably stopped.
However, everything changed when he finally entered a free area about 25 yards from the goal. After controlling Di Maria’s pass with a touch, he let go with an unstoppable shot into the far corner. Argentina’s players and fans erupted in cheers after the goal, and there was a second wave of joy when substitute Fernandez ran onto Messi’s pass following a corner and blasted a stunning effort from the left side of the box. Mexico only managed four shots during the game, while Argentina was able to enjoy a victory that keeps their hopes of moving on to the round of 16.
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