Lionel Messi was the star of the show tonight to lead Argentina back into reckoning as they defeated Mexico 2-0 in their Group C Qatar 2022 World Cup clash in Doha.
The captain powered in a 64th minute goal and Enzo Fernandez added another late in the game to give Argentina victory over battling Mexico and reignite their tournament hopes.
Messi, who equalled Diego Maradona’s Argentina record of 21 World Cup matches, was mostly anonymous for more than an hour but he then produced a moment of magic.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward picked up a pass from the impressive Angel Di Maria and thundering home with his left foot from about 25 yards out in the 64th minute.
Substitute Fernandez made sure of the three points when he curled a superb shot into the top corner in the 87th minute from Messi’s pass.
The result brought Argentina back to life in Group C after their shock opening 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Argentina, who are second with three points, can guarantee progress to the round of 16 with a win over Poland, who are on top at the moment with four points.
They meet on Wednesday at the same time as Mexico face Saudi Arabia.
Mexico have now lost all four World Cup clashes against Argentina, and have only one point.
They must beat Saudi Arabia, who are third with three points, to have any chance of continuing their run of making the last 16 in the last seven World Cups.
A win for Saudi Arabia will send Herve Renard’s side to the knockout rounds.
