Lionel Messi, as he has for the better part of two decades, rescued Argentina with a goal in the 64th minute of a 2\u002D0 win over Mexico.
In a tournament where it’s becoming evident that a week of preparation was not enough for some of the 2022 FIFA World Cup favourites, the group stage has become a case of survive and advance.Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails.
“Fortunately we were able to win the game, and we’re happy about that because it calms things down a little bit, because we’re in control of our destiny.” Yet in a 24-team tournament at the time, it was easier to get in the round of 16. In this 32-team tournament, Argentina has to finish among the top two in its group to advance, and with Poland defeating Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, it complicated matters.Article content
Argentina has yet to look like a contender, but the same could be said for Germany, who lost its first game to Japan, and England, who looked disinterested against the United States on Friday after opening with an emphatic 6-2 win against Iran.Article content “I didn’t think we gave him much space at all today,” said Mexico coach Gerardo Martino. “Then he found a little bit of space in the second half and he scored a goal. We made a mistake and had three midfielders all slide over to the same side and they found Messi by himself.”
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Messi leads Argentina to 2-0 win over Mexico at World CupLionel Messi came up with another crucial goal for Argentina in a 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday that ignited the team's World Cup chances.
Read more »
Messi leads Argentina to win over Mexico at World CupLionel Messi came up with another crucial goal for Argentina in a win over Mexico on Saturday that ignited the team\u0027s World Cup chances.
Read more »
Messi leads Argentina to 2-0 win over Mexico at World CupLionel Messi came up with another crucial goal for Argentina in a 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday that ignited the team's World Cup chances.
Read more »
Messi leads Argentina to win over Mexico at World CupLionel Messi came up with another crucial goal for Argentina in a win over Mexico on Saturday that ignited the team\u0027s World Cup chances.
Read more »
Maradona's World Cup absence 'strange' for Messi, ArgentinaFor the first time since the 1978 World Cup, Argentina is without Diego Maradona on soccer's biggest stage.
Read more »