LUSAIL, Qatar — Goals from Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez saved Argentina from elimination in the World Cup and defeated Mexico 2-0 on Saturday in Group C.
In front of 88,966 fans at Lusail Stadium, the match was at first a nervy one with plenty of fouls but a lack of opportunities from either side. Then, in the second half, Messi opened up the scoresheet with an inch-perfect opportunity in the 64th minute that put the South Americans up 1-0.
In the 87th minute, Fernandez sealed the 2-0 result with a beautiful shot that sneaked past Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
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Rapid reaction
1. Argentina bounce back with first win to keep World Cup hopes alive
After a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their first match of the group stage, Argentina could not lose against Mexico and responded with a significant result at Lusail Stadium.
Initially running into hurdles with El Tri‘s defensive gameplan through a 5-3-2 formation, Messi eventually pounced on a shot in the second half that set the Lusail Stadium into a frenzy. El Tri appeared rattled after the goal, leaving an inevitable chance later on for Fernandez to make it 2-0 in the dying moments.
