Magical. Mercurial. Magnanimous. Messi. In a FIFA World Cup grudge match between Mexico, Argentina broke the deadlock through the prodigious left foot of Lionel Messi.
Having lost their opener to Saudi Arabia 2-1, this game was a must-win for Argentina. But, with all the hype, pressure, and expectations, the little wizard produced a moment of World Cup magic that may be the difference in Argentina’s World Cup run.
Messi’s and Argentina’s struggle to get in sync would extend into the second half: missed time passes and runs, getting pushed out of attacking lanes, and getting fouled or bodied off the ball with ease.
A draw for Argentina would have left them hanging on by a thread, going into their final group stage match against Poland, who won their game against Saudi Arabia.
MESSI IS HERE 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/p0RDjThfpz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 26, 2022
MY OH MESSI 🥶
🇦🇷 1 – 0 🇲🇽#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/hCcIIdZEBk
— SOCCER.COM (@soccerdotcom) November 26, 2022
He is walking around. Looking/hunting for som space…some weakness by the opposition…he finds it…then he explodes…Messi 1-0
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 💛💙 (@JanAageFjortoft) November 26, 2022
Messi. That’s the tweet.
— Rodolfo Landeros (@RodolfoLanderos) November 26, 2022
Messi!!!! It had to be him! #FIFAWorldCup
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 26, 2022
Messi delivers for Argentina once again 😤 🇦🇷#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/i0sBUnWQdS
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) November 26, 2022
This result will move Argentina into Group C’s second spot behind Poland.
Mexico will play Saudi Arabia Wednesday (2 pm ET) at Lusail Stadium. Argentina will play Poland Wednesday (2 pm ET) at Stadium 974.
