Argentina and Lionel Messi catch a breather against a disappointing Mexico

Posted Sunday, November 27, 2022 by Marca.com

One of the most attractive matches in the second round of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup was Argentina vs. Mexico, and that's why FIFA placed it in primetime and at the biggest venue in Qatar, Lusail Iconic Stadium, which has capacity for 80,000 fans, and will host the World Cup final.

Lionel Messi opened the scoreboard on the second half for Argentina and proved key to have them continue with possibilities of advancing to the knockout stage, as they ended up defeating a disappointing Mexico by 2-0.

Argentina vs Mexico first half

Mexico and Argentina offered fans at Lusail Stadium and all over the world a great spectacle in the first half, but despite that not many clear goal ocassions.

Gerardo Martino, Mexico's coach surprised by not having a center forward in the game, rather choosing to have five defenders on the field to try and neutralize Lionel Messi and company.

The game was mainly played on midfield with a couple of counter attacks trying to take advantage of their quick midfielders and forwards.

Both teams ended the half scoreless and left everything for the last 45 minutes.

Argentina vs Mexico second half

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's manager was the first to make adjustments to the starting elevens.

Gerardo Martino moved his bench up to the 62nd minute.

Lionel Messi just needed one more chance right outside the box, a superb left foot strike that entered Guillermo Ochoa's goal for the scoreboard opener.

Argentinian fans all over the world and in the stadium celebrated this goal as it momentarily leaves them with the possibility

Messi's goal saw Argentina fall back and guard the result and Mexico finally trying to offend and score the equalizer goal.

The last few minutes saw Mexico have it's better ocassions in front of Martinez, but it didn't take long for Argentina to take advantage of their superb ball handling skills and Enzo Fernandez scored a superb goal.

Both teams will have to wait for the final leg in the Group Stage to decide their fate, but both are hopeful that they'll make it to the knockout rounds.

Pablo Aimar was overwhelmed on Argentina's bench

Lionel Messi has been vocal about his favorite player growing up being Pablo Aimar, a great complement for the Argentinian coming from Messi, who's considered to be one of the best players to ever live.

Well, during Argentina's match against Mexico, Lionel Messi had Pablo Aimar in tears in the bench after he scored the goal the inaugurated the scoreboard. Aimar is an assistant coach for Lionel Scaloni in Argentina's National Team.

Fans and media outlets all over the world have shared the touching images.