Doha: Argentina defeated Saturday Mexico 2-0 in a Group C match to stay alive in the tournament.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring before Enzo Fernandez added another.
After losing their opening game to Saudi Arabia, Argentina couldn’t have afforded another defeat.
The tension was mounting as Mexico frustrated Messi in an attritional game, especially in a first half littered with fouls and stoppages that never allowed Argentina to gain any momentum. But Messi produced a moment of brilliance to turn the tide at the Lusail Stadium. Fernandez, who came on as second-half substitute, scored three minutes before the end of regulation time, and put the game to bed.
The masses of Argentina supporters in a crowd estimated at 88, 966 went wild in celebration and relief as their World Cup campaign got back on track.
Victory in a tough final Group C game against Poland will send Argentina into the knockout phase.
Source: Qatar Olympic Committee