Argentina’s triumph over Mexico in Lusail Stadium thanks to Lionel Messi‘s inspiration put the South Americans’ World Cup hopes firmly back on track.
When Messi ignited a match under the game after 64 minutes, a tense encounter with hardly little goalmouth action. Argentina’s chances of winning the World Cup were in jeopardy when the 35-year-old genius blasted a 22-yard free kick over the crossbar six minutes after halftime.
After a shocking opening setback to Saudi Arabia, Lionel Scaloni’s side realised failure would mean the end of the road in Qatar. Angel Di Maria’s ball was intercepted by Messi, who then accurately fired from outside the area into the bottom corner.
When he surged into the box after a short corner to curl past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and start an Argentinian party at the location of their Saudi-inflicted despair just four days before, Enzo Fernandez, who came on as a substitute in the second half, calmed any lingering concern.
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For the first hour of a match they dared not lose, Argentina were drowsy and lacking in creativity. Soon after the restart, even the inimitable Messi was struggling, trundling around the outside and completely missing the crossbar with his one dead-ball attempt.
The proverb is that you should pay attention to the silent ones. Additionally, it is never a good idea to look away from Messi. When he assumed control of his team’s fate at this competition, the Paris Saint-Germain player undoubtedly brought to mind his incredible last-ditch effort to upset IR Iran in Argentina’s second group game of Brazil 2014.
The 126-cap Di Maria, another stalwart of Argentina, provided the assist. Approximately 22 yards from the goal, Messi intercepted the pass from his longtime opponent. Mexico will rue their delay in closing the seven-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner because they may not have completely realised the threat.
Ochoa had never lost in Qatar before. Therefore, the hit needed to be precise and true. Messi’s clean shot satisfied both requirements by slipping inside Ochoa’s left post.
With one sweep of the most recognisable left foot on the planet, Messi eliminated the unfathomable possibility that his bid to win his first World Cup would fail after two games.
