November 26, 2022
2 mins read

Argentina’s World Cup hope alive with crucial victory

Both Argentina and Mexico meant business right from kick-off but could not create scoring chances and it was left to the brilliance of Messi to open the floodgates of the Mexico defence…reports Armstrong Vaz

Two-time winners Argentina kept their FIFA World Cup knockout stage qualification on course with a 2-0 win over Latin American rivals Mexico at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

On Saturday, in the last match of the day, Argentina, which lost their first match to Saudi Arabia, scored in the 64th minute through Lionel Messi to register their first win and three points.

La Albiceleste struck a second time in the match through a gem of a goal from Endo Fernandez with three minutes left for the normal period of play to end.

Argentina now have three points after two matches and now are second in Group C with three points, tied with Saudi Arabia and one point behind leaders Poland, who beat the Saudis 2-0 in the earlier game.

Both Argentina and Mexico meant business right from kick-off but could not create scoring chances and it was left to the brilliance of Messi to open the floodgates of the Mexico defence.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner broke the deadlock with a powerful left footer drive which eluded the outstretched Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa after being set up by Angel Di Maria from outside the box.

Ochoa was hitherto unbeaten in Qatar. The strike, then, needed to be true and accurate — and Messi’s crisp shot met both criteria, scooting inside Ochoa’s left post. The unthinkable prospect of Messi’s attempt to win a first World Cup going south after two matches was banished with one swipe of the most famous left foot on the planet.

It was Messi’s eight goal in the World Cup, having netted one in the first match against Saudi Arabia in the 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia. Messi’s eight goals equaled Diego Mardonna’s record of eight goals and only Gabriel Batistuta with 10 goals remains ahead of him in the all-time leading goal scorers for Argentina.

Messi had a hand in the second goal too as the flag kick taken by him ended up with Fernandez, who curled his effort into the top corner for a stunning goal in the 87th minute. The 21-year-old striker who plays club football for Portuguese side Benifica and who came as a second half substitute ‘labelled’ as talented by Messi showed why he is so and why he is on the shopping list of English Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United at a transfer fee of 15 million pounds.

Earlier, Messi was in the thick of the action when the 35-year-old genius sent a 22-yard free-kick over the bar six minutes after half-time which added to the anxiety of the Argentinian fans.

ALSO READ-Stoppage time goals help Iran defeat Wales 2-0

Previous Story

Who will form government in Nepal?

Next Story

Mbappe’s double helps France qualify for knockout stage

Latest from -Top News

Modi Mania Grips Canada

This is PM Modi’s first visit to Canada after a year marked by diplomatic tensions…reports Asian Lite News As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for his visit to Canada for the

Modi’s 3-Nation Mission Begins

This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism…reports Asian Lite News Ahead of his departure for a

Pentagon Labels China Top Threat

Hegseth told a House defence panel that Beijing is preparing for war in the Indo-Pacific to assert regional and global dominance. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that China

NTSB to probe Air India crash

The National Transportation Safety Board stated that as per protocols, all information on the investigation will be provided by India National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent US government agency tasked with
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Argentine rear admiral appointed head of UN Kashmir observer group

His wide experience also includes stints as Argentina’s military attache

WC for Portugal was most ambitious dream of my career’

“I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream,”