Argentina faced a challenging moment during their second group stage match in the 2022 World Cup, standing at the bottom of Group C with only thirty minutes left to play. The situation called for a hero, and Lionel Messi stepped up to remind everyone of his exceptional talent.
On November 26, 2022, Argentina secured a vital 2-0 victory over Mexico at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. This win was essential for keeping their World Cup aspirations alive following an unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening match. This contest drew an impressive attendance of 88,966, the largest crowd for a men’s World Cup game in nearly three decades.
#What were the stakes entering the match?
Argentina entered the tournament with a confident 36-match unbeaten streak, establishing themselves as one of the favorites. However, their shocking loss to Saudi Arabia left them with no points after the first match. In contrast, Mexico had drawn their opener, which placed them with one point and also seeking a stronger standing.
The tension was palpable in the first half as neither team managed to take control, resulting in a scoreless deadlock at halftime.
#How did Messi change the game?
The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Ángel Di María assisted Messi. The Argentine captain struck a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, finding the back of the net and igniting hope for his team. Soon after, in the 87th minute, substitute Enzo Fernández added a second goal that sealed the victory. This moment not only showcased his skill but also marked Fernández’s emergence on the global stage, as he later won the tournament’s Best Young Player award.
With a final score of 2-0, Argentina collected three points in Group C, keeping their World Cup journey alive.
#What does this win mean in the historical context?
This encounter between Argentina and Mexico marked their 32nd face-off, with Argentina leading the historic rivalry with 16 wins to Mexico’s 12, alongside four draws. The transformation from their defeat against Saudi Arabia to this win against Mexico became a pivotal theme in Argentina's World Cup story, culminating in their ultimate victory and Messi’s long-awaited trophy triumph.