To the rescue: Lionel Messi’s magic saved Argentina from another difficult World Cup evening in Qatar
(Picture: AP)Lionel Messi delivered yet another moment of magic on the World Cup stage to keep Argentina’s hopes of qualifying for the last-16 alive.
The 35-year-old’s touch and shot against Mexico was a moment of technical perfection but it came in a moment of dire need for his side, who lost to Saudi Arabia in their Group C opener.
It was a poor and nervous display from the South American giants and they still have work to do in the final match against Poland - where only a win will guarantee qualification.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Lusail Stadium to rate the Argentina players...
Emiliano Martinez - 6
Impressively not only saved but caught Alexis Vega’s well-hit free-kick at the end of the first half. The Aston Villa goalkeeper had a very quiet evening with Mexico showing great desire but lacking quality in the final third.
Gonzalo Montiel - 4
Took an elbow to the face from Vega early on and looked nervous in possession. He was caught offside in Argentina’s first dangerous attack. Montiel was booked for scything down Luis Chavez at the end of the first half.
Lisandro Martinez - 5
Picked ahead of a dropped Cristian Romero who struggled against Saudi Arabia, the Manchester United centre-back was one of those looking nervous.
Nicolas Otamendi - 7
One of the few positive performers, Lionel Scaloni’s trusted experienced head used the ball to dominate that area of the game.
Marcos Acuna - 6
The Sevilla left-back produced a good cross for Messi to have his side’s first shot. Scaloni responded by pushing him higher up the pitch in the second half.
Alexis Mac Allister - 6
Another one rotated into the starting XI, the Brighton man initially played on the left side of midfield and then moved centrally where he plays for his club. He performed well once in the middle.
Guido Rodriguez - 5
Rodriguez had minimal impact on the game and was substituted before the hour mark.
Rodrigo De Paul - 4
The Atletico Madrid midfielder was lucky to hold onto his place and repeatedly gave the ball away in the opening period of the match.
Lionel Messi - 8
Messi had a difficult header for Argentina’s first effort on target but it went both high and wide. He started the second half much better, producing a dribble that forced Erick Gutierrez to bring him down. Messi would miss the subsequent free-kick which was well within his usual range.
Eventually, football god mode activated and a perfect first touch and shot broke down the solid Mexican defence. He did so while matching Argentina’s all-time appearance record at World Cups with his 21st display, equalling the iconic Diego Maradona.
Lautaro Martinez - 3
The Inter Milan forward spent more time defending in his own box early on than impacting the attacks. His first chance was woefully wasted late in the first half after a good short corner routine.
Surprising after Lautaro’s hat-trick in the last meeting between the two teams in 2019.
Angel Di Maria - 7
Di Maria created a good chance for Lautaro which was squandered. Di Maria’s second-half cross caused chaos in El Tri’s box but no one could get on the end of it.
Argentina’s best creator on the night picked out Messi, who did the rest. The aging winger came off late into the second half having done his job well.
Substitutes
Nahuel Molina - 6
The Atleti defender slotted in and quietly went about his business, not advancing too far beyond the halfway line.
Cristian Romero - 6
Mexico had even less impact once he was introduced, perhaps regaining some trust after struggling last time against Saudi Arabia.
Exequiel Palacios - 6
The Bayer Leverkusen man sat in midfield to help his side hang on for their lead.
Enzo Fernandez - 8
The Benfica talisman pulled out a sensational strike from the bench, cutting inside and curling a shot beyond Guillermo Ochoa late on.
His ability to move the ball quickly gave his side a foothold in the game.
Julian Alvarez - 6
The Manchester City striker was quiet after being introduced but was better than Lautaro.
