After a completely tense first half with many intense duels, but without any offensive highlights, the game initially rippled along in the second half, before Messi scored the 1-0 with a precise shot from around 20 meters from around 20 meters (64th minute) after preparatory work by Angel di Maria. ). Shortly before the end, the 21-year-old Fernandez followed up decisively with a flick after Messi’s preliminary work (87th).
In Group D, Poland (four points) leads ahead of Argentina (three), Saudi Arabia (three) and Mexico (one point). All teams can still progress and be eliminated. At the end of the group phase, Argentina will meet Poland with world footballer Robert Lewandowski on Wednesday (8:00 p.m.), while Mexico will meet Saudi Arabia at the same time.
Worth seeing flick by Fernandez (87th minute)
The 21-year-old makes the decision in Lusail.
“Thank God! We knew we had to be strong today,” Messi said after the game. “It was a very difficult game. We didn’t play the way we wanted in the first half. We improved in the second half, the fans carried us to the end. We now have a final,” said the 35-year-old.
Five changes at Argentina
After the embarrassing defeat against Saudi Arabia, team manager Lionel Scaloni made five changes to the starting XI, particularly on the defensive end. Up front, Lautaro Martinez got his chance again, behind Messi started his 21st World Cup game.
Mexico coach Gerardo Martino – himself an Argentinian – also changed his starting line-up after the 0-0 draw against Poland, but only in three positions. The Mexicans switched to a five-man chain and relied fully on the defensive.
Intense but poor game
Not only the starting position created a heated atmosphere in the Lusail Iconic Stadium, but also the fans of both teams, who already indulged their passion with the anthems. And the players also showed a lot of intensity in a balanced early phase, there were a lot of duels in midfield and a lot of fouls. Nothing was given away, but the fans didn’t give away any offensive highlights either.
Argentina had a lot more possession after the first half, almost 70 percent, but didn’t create any good chances. Mexico were solid defensively and waited for chances to win the ball. The shots towards goal on both sides could be counted on one hand, so Messi forced goalkeeper Ochoa to make a save with a free kick from the right edge of the penalty area (34th).
Martinez’s header opportunity (40th minute)
Lautaro Martinez attempts a header.
Argentina harmless before the break
Shortly before the break, such actions increased, but Martinez headed well over it (40th) and on the other side goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had no problems with a free kick from Alexis Vega (45th). The same clearly missed at the end (45.+5). Bitter for Mexico: Andres Guardado, who was able to book his fifth World Cup appearance, had to be substituted.
Vega checks goalie Martinez (44th minute)
Alexis Vega dangerously puts the ball on goal.
It could only get better after the break, especially from Argentina’s point of view – but it didn’t get better for the time being. Characteristic of this was a free kick from around 20 meters, which Messi took out himself, but then put well over the goal (51st). The game flowed along and chances remained scarce for either side, but Argentina showed a little more determination.
Messi scores from distance
After about an hour, Scaloni brought fresh forces into the game, but in the end the superstar on the pitch himself provided the great relief with the “Albiceleste”: Di Maria played a slightly raised ball in the middle, which Messi skillfully processed and precisely round 20 meters right into the corner. For the 35-year-old it was the second goal in Qatar and the eighth World Cup goal.
This naturally caused loud cheers in the stands in the stadium – the relief was clearly visible on the faces of the Argentine fans. Shortly thereafter, Martino also brought new players for the Mexicans, but these changes had no effect. The Martino team didn’t have any significant chances to equalize, but now more space opened up for the Argentines.
“Joker” Fernandez makes the decision
With Nahuel Molina, a substitute player clearly missed the target with space and time, a hopeful then made it much better in the finish: After a corner, Messi Fernandez served, who first let Erick Gutierrez out and then hit the right corner from the left, which is worth seeing. For the Benfica player, it was the first goal in five games for Argentina. Although his team didn’t present themselves as candidates for the title that evening, they still had the chance to reach the round of 16.
Comments on the game:
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina Team Principal): “It was a terribly difficult game against a big rival. It’s not easy to play these games. I’m proud of what the players have achieved. The feeling today is a feeling of joy. We’re celebrating now, but tomorrow we have to prepare for the next game. The joy is short-lived, you always have to find a balance when you win and when you lose. We knew how difficult the game was and we asked the players to be patient. We have great players and also Leo (Messi, note), that’s important. He does what he does. Score goals.”
Gerard Martino (Mexico team boss): “He (Messi, note) can hurt you in a few seconds. We made a mistake and gave him too much space.”
FIFA World Cup 2022, Group C, Second Matchday
Saturday:
Argentina 2-0 Mexico (0-0)
Lusail, Lusail Stadium, 88,966 Zuschauer, SR Orsato (ITA)
Torfolge:
1:0 Messi (64.)
2:0 Fernandez (87.)
Argentina: E. Martinez – Acuna, Li. Martinez, Otamendi, Montiel (63./Molina) – MacAllister (69./Palacios), Rodriguez (57./Fernandez), De Paul – La. Martinez (63./Alvarez), Messi, Di Maria (69./Romero)
Mexico: Ochoa – Alvarez (66./Jimenez), Araujo, Moreno, Montes, Gallardo – Herrera, Guardado (41./Gutierrez), Chavez – Lozano (73./Alvarado), Vega (66./Antuna)
Yellow cards: Montiel or Araujo, Gutierrez, Herrera, Alvarado
