Argentina 2-0 Mexico

Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a crucial victory over Mexico in Lusail Stadium to position the South Americans’ World Cup quest firmly back on track.

An edgy game featured next to no goalmouth action until Messi lit a match under the contest after 64 minutes. When the 35-year-old genius sent a 22-yard free-kick over the bar six minutes after half-time Argentina’s World Cup life was hanging in the balance.

Lionel Scaloni’s team knew defeat would spell the end of the road in Qatar following a shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia. But Messi gathered Angel Di Maria’s pass to fire unerringly into the bottom corner from outside the area.

Enzo Fernandez, on as a second-half substitute, quashed any lingering anxiety when he strode into the box following a short corner to curl beyond goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and start an Argentinian party at the scene of their Saudi-inflicted desolation only four days ago. (27 Nov 2022)

STARTING LINE UP

23 Damian MARTINEZ (GK)
4 Gonzalo MONTIEL (-63′)
8 Marcos ACUNA
19 Nicolas OTAMENDI
25 Lisandro MARTINEZ
7 Rodrigo DE PAUL
11 Angel DI MARIA (-69′)
18 RODRIGUEZ GUIDO (-57′)
20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER (-69′)
10 Lionel MESSI (C)
22 Lautaro MARTINEZ (-63′)

SUBSTITUTIONS

1 Franco ARMANI (GK)
12 Geronimo RULLI (GK)
2 Juan FOYTH
3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO
5 Leandro PAREDES
6 German PEZZELLA
9 Julian ALVAREZ (+63′)
13 Cristian ROMERO (+69′)
14 Exequiel PALACIOS (+69′)
15 Angel CORREA
16 Thiago ALMADA
17 Alejandro GOMEZ
21 Paulo DYBALA
24 Enzo FERNANDEZ (+57′)
26 Nahuel MOLINA (+63′)

Manager Lionel SCALONI

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia performed the first real miracle of the Qatar 2022 World Cup by defeating competition favourites Argentina.

Messi had opened the scoring just ten minutes in with a cool penalty, and as Argentina put the ball in the net three more times before the half time whistle – with every one being ruled out for off-side – it was looking like one-way traffic.

That said, it was a far from vintage performance from Argentina, ultimately punished when Saleh Al Shehri latched onto a long ball and lashed a left-foot shot into the far corner of Emi Martinez’ goal.

It was Saudi Arabia’s first effort – but it would not be their last. Just five minutes later, Salem Al Dawsari scored one of the goals of the tournament to launch the Saudis into an astonishing lead.

An exceptional save at close range from Mohammed Al Owais shortly after preserved the underdog’s lead, and the Albiceleste failed to meaningfully threaten for the remainder of this astonishing match. (22 Nov 2022)

STARTING LINE UP

23 Damian MARTINEZ (GK)
3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO (-71′)
13 Cristian ROMERO (-59′)
19 Nicolas OTAMENDI
26 Nahuel MOLINA
5 Leandro PAREDES (-59′)
7 Rodrigo DE PAUL
11 Angel DI MARIA
17 Alejandro GOMEZ (-59′)
10 Lionel MESSI (C)
22 Lautaro MARTINEZ

SUBSTITUTIONS

1 Franco ARMANI (GK)
12 Geronimo RULLI (GK)
2 Juan FOYTH
4 Gonzalo MONTIEL
6 German PEZZELLA
8 Marcos ACUNA (+71′)
9 Julian ALVAREZ (+59′)
14 Exequiel PALACIOS
15 Angel CORREA
16 Thiago ALMADA
18 RODRIGUEZ GUIDO
20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER
21 Paulo DYBALA
24 Enzo FERNANDEZ (+59′)
25 Lisandro MARTINEZ (+59′)

Manager Lionel SCALONI

United Arab Emirates 0-5 Argentina

Argentina warmed up for the World Cup with a 5-0 hammering of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, as a brace from Angel di Maria and goals from Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi and Joaquin Correa extended their unbeaten run to 36 games. (16 Nov 2022)