In Argentina’s second Group C match against Mexico, the 35-year-old great scored to give the Albiceleste a 1-0 lead. Argentina’s World Cup aspirations were in jeopardy at the time.
In the 64th minute, Messi collected the ball outside of Mexico’s penalty area. Messi was able to take a touch onto his preferred left foot and unleash a low, well-placed shot into the bottom-right corner after the Mexican defense left him curiously exposed in space. It was his 93rd international goal and eighth in a World Cup, and it could prove to be decisive for Argentina.
Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their Group C opening was one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. It essentially made Argentina’s game against Mexico a must-win, as a loss would have eliminated them from the tournament. Before Messi’s strike, Argentina would have needed a miracle in their final group stage match to advance to the knockout round.
Messi then assisted Enzo Fernandez in the 87th minute to give Argentina a 2-0 lead, putting them in second position in the group heading into their final match before the knockout stage. Fernandez received a pass from Messi on the left side of the penalty area and blasted a shot past Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
On Wednesday, Argentina plays Poland.
»Lionel Messi scores and assists as Argentina avoids World Cup disaster«