LIONEL MESSI (AND HIS HEIR TO THE THRONE) KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE AFTER A DIFFICULT DEMOLITION AGAINST MEXICO

Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia on matchday 1 and therefore had no choice against Mexico to extend Lionel Messi's 'Last Dance' beyond the group stage. Could the master himself provide a first pedal point?

After the defeat against Saudi Arabia, it was all hands on deck for Argentina. National coach Lionel Scaloni also realized this, who brought no less than five new players between the lines for the duel with the Mexicans.

Many substitutions, few chances

Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña, Lisandro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister and Guido Rodriguez had to help ensure that Lionel Messi could reach the very highest again at his last World Cup . The experienced Guardado was chosen for Mexico , although the captain had to leave injured before half time.

Nothing really happened in the first half - at least not in terms of shots on target. Mexico once came closest with a great sense of humor and imagination. We therefore rested with a logical, but disappointing glasses score.

There is no lack of intensity, but the footballing solution often turned out to be too difficult. Mexico even seemed to be aiming for a point and betting on the third group match against Saudi Arabia, but that is of course always dangerous.

Messi's Doings

The Argentinians started the second half better, Messi and Di Maria timidly put their noses to the window. And then, just past the hour, there was suddenly an inspiration from De Vlo. He got some space to lash out and kicked the ball straight into the side: 1-0 Argentina.

The Argentines suddenly again in a much better starting position than the Mexicans, who had to come themselves and suddenly - just like before against Poland - turned out to be quite immature in terms of attack. The Argentine goalkeeper remained unemployed.

Five minutes before the end, Enzo Fernandez curled the ball wonderfully against the ropes and thus decided the game. Poland is thus leader in the group with four points, Argentina and Saudi Arabia now have three. If Mexico still wants to reach the eighth finals, it must win and hope for a good result in the other game.