Argentina vs Mexico Live Commentary, FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Group A
1	Netherlands	3	2	1	0	5	1	4	7
2	Senegal	3	2	0	1	5	4	1	6
3	Ecuador	3	1	1	1	4	3	1	4
4	Qatar	3	0	0	3	1	7	-6	0
Group B
1	England	3	2	1	0	9	2	7	7
2	USA	3	1	2	0	2	1	1	5
3	Iran	3	1	0	2	4	7	-3	3
4	Wales	3	0	1	2	1	6	-5	1
Group C
1	Argentina	3	2	0	1	5	2	3	6
2	Poland	3	1	1	1	2	2	0	4
3	Mexico	3	1	1	1	2	3	-1	4
4	Saudi Arabia	3	1	0	2	3	5	-2	3
Group D
1	France	3	2	0	1	6	3	3	6
2	Australia	3	2	0	1	3	4	-1	6
3	Tunisia	3	1	1	1	1	1	0	4
4	Denmark	3	0	1	2	1	3	-2	1
Group E
1	Japan	3	2	0	1	4	3	1	6
2	Spain	3	1	1	1	9	3	6	4
3	Germany	3	1	1	1	6	5	1	4
4	Costa Rica	3	1	0	2	3	11	-8	3
Group F
1	Morocco	3	2	1	0	4	1	3	7
2	Croatia	3	1	2	0	4	1	3	5
3	Belgium	3	1	1	1	1	2	-1	4
4	Canada	3	0	0	3	2	7	-5	0
Group G
1	Brazil	3	2	0	1	3	1	2	6
2	Switzerland	3	2	0	1	4	3	1	6
3	Cameroon	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	4
4	Serbia	3	0	1	2	5	8	-3	1
Group H
1	Portugal	3	2	0	1	6	4	2	6
2	Korea Republic	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	4
3	Uruguay	3	1	1	1	2	2	0	4
4	Ghana	3	1	0	2	5	7	-2	3

Matches Played

Matches Won

Matches Drawn

Matches Lost

Goals For (Goals scored by a team)

Goals Against (Goals conceded by a team)

Goal Difference

Pts

Total Points

Argentina live to see another day, and they're still alive in the World Cup. We're coming to the end of our coverage here at Sportskeeda, and it's been a pleasure to host what has been one of the most intense matches of the competition so far. Until next time, this is your commentator, Aditya Hosangadi, signing off. Cheers, and have a good night!

This lot are not going anywhere. pic.twitter.com/qydw5mrLQo
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 26, 2022

Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández with two goals worthy of winning any match. Messi's goal turned the game on its head and the substitutes played a big part in helping the win. Lots of monster performances in that second half. The team and fans have every reason to be proud. 🇦🇷
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 26, 2022

FT: Di Maria probably still the best for me today. Both Alvarez and Enzo brilliant in their cameos and I don't see an explanation for them not starting vs Poland. De Paul's second half was good too.

Messi the genius difference maker as he has been week on week, season on season.
— Umir (@umirf1) November 26, 2022

Plenty of work for Scaloni to do, though - his side were far too passive in the first half and cannot afford such a performance against better opponents. Argentina play their final group game against Poland on Wednesday, and they'll need to take it up a notch in what could be a potentially tricky fixture.

Mexico will now need to rely on other results working in their favour to qualify for the knock-outs. Argentina need a win against Poland to assure themselves of the spot - a draw in that game will complicate things considerably. The South Americans were poor in the first half, but showed a degree of immense improvement in the final half-hour.

Irrespective of Argentina's fortunes this year, Lionel Messi's goal tonight will go down in history. The chips were down, his team needed him, and he stepped up with one of his best goals for his country, given the circumstances. With him in the team, Argentina are always in with a chance.

The stage desperately called for some improvement, and Argentina stepped up in the last 30 minutes. A huge, huge result for the Albicelestes, and they're indebted - yet again - to their diminutive genius. Lionel Messi broke the shackles with his strike and told the world exactly why he remains at the top. A stunning goal from Messi, and there was more to come.

Enzo Fernandez, remember the name. 21 years of age, and he's now made it immensely hard for his manager to drop him. His goal was only the cherry on top - Fernandez played his catalyst role to perfection. Argentina are a better team with him and Julian Alvarez on the pitch.

FULL-TIME: Argentina 2-0 Mexico

90+6' Messi dances past two Mexican players in his own half, and his opponents can only tug at his shirt. Free-kick for Argentina with Martinez taking it, and they should see this game out comfortably.

90+4' Mexico are trying their best to push up the pitch, but Argentina remain resolute. Scaloni's men have done well to suck the life out of this game.

90+2' Marcos Acuna is down, seemingly with cramps. This has been an intense game.

90+1' Otamendi now with an uncompromising foul, but it's high up the pitch. Mexico attempt a punt into the box, but Alvarez blocks.

Six minutes of stoppage-time. Mexico need to score in a hurry.

89' Yellow card for Roberto Alvarado for a foul on Otamendi. Mexico are showing hints of desperation now.

Argentina have made life a lot more comfortable for themselves now. They needed a cushion, and now they have it.

Stunning from the midfielder. Argentina play the corner short, and Messi hands it over to Enzo Fernandez. The Benfica man dribbles into the box before curling a magnificent effort past Ochoa into the far post. An emphatic moment, and a goal for the ages!

87' ENZO FERNANDEZ, YOU BEAUTY! 2-0!

87' Acuna runs at his man on the left flank, and gets a touch off his man to win a corner. Argentina will take their time with this.

86' Chavez takes the corner, but it's cleared. Messi plays the ball to De Paul on the counter, but the midfielder takes yet another poor touch and loses out.

85' Otamendi intercepts a long ball with an acrobatic interception, and Mexico now have a corner.

84' Argentina are managing the game well at the moment - they're keeping the ball and snuffing out Mexico's forward attempts. They don't have much of a cushion, however, and there will be a few nerves at the end of this game.

82' Mexico put the ball in the box, but it's too high and too close to the goalkeeper. Comfortable take for Martinez.

80' Argentina with a free-kick after Messi is fouled.

79' Mexico stop a counter with a foul on Mac Allister. They're vulnerable on the counter now, and Argentina will likely soak up the pressure and push forward when the win the ball back. The tables have turned!

78' Alvarez involved again! Plays Messi down the right and the PSG star attempts a cross, but Ochoa gets in the way.

77' Argentina on the counter! Alvarez with an excellent turn of pace, he looks for Messi in the middle but Mexico get in the way.

Argentina having a much better half, but they'll need to be careful. They capitulated against Saudi Arabia, they cannot afford another poor spell in this fixture.

Messi! Goat Class!
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) November 26, 2022

73' Change for Mexico, with the impressive Lozano coming off for Alvarado.

71' Montez attempts an ambitious run into Argentina's half but takes one touch too many. Loses control of the ball, and it goes out for a goal kick.

70' Good play from Argentina, who work it to Acuna for a cross. The ball goes all the way to his counterpart on the right, but Molina skies his shot.

What a goal. What a moment. What a man. Messi strikes.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) November 26, 2022

69' Argentina make two more changes, with Di Maria and Mac Allister off for Palacios and Romero. Defensive changes, these.

Di Maria with responsibility on the ball, finds Messi. Look at Alvarez's run. His contribution's underrated. A dynamic, diagonal run that drags the Mexican defenders with.

And then genius from Leo to have his first real sight of goal go in, from that distance. https://t.co/Wy1UkYp3pf
— Umir (@umirf1) November 26, 2022

67' Hector Herrera has been booked for a rash challenge. Mexico need a comeback, and they've switched to a back four.

66' Mexico attempt to bounce back with a double substitution, Raul Jimenez and Antuda on for Vega and Alvarez.

Give him a sniff at your own peril. Mexico decided to back off for a reason only they will know, and the great, great man finds the bottom corner and beats Ochoa. Argentina reliant as ever on their legend.

That is simply sensational. Magic, magic, magic. Completely out of the blue, Lionel Messi comes up with a piece of sensational football.

64' MESSSSSIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!! 1-0 TO ARGENTINA!!!

64' Lozano does brilliantly to get ahead of three Argentine defenders. He's stranded up the pitch, however, and runs out of space.

63' Argentina make a double change, with Montiel and Lautaro Martinez replaced by Julian Alvarez and Nahuel Molina.

61' De Paul loses out to Lozano again, but the Napoli forward is immediately crowded out of the ball. Argentina have upped their intensity.

60' Mexico win a free-kick in Argentina's half. The free-kick is deep, but Otamendi clears his lines admirably.

59' Messi looks to thread the needle with a pass to Martinez, but Mexico get in the way.

57' Argentina make their first change, with Enzo Fernandez coming on from Guido Rodriguez.

56' Brilliant run from Di Maria! Breezes past two men on the right before putting in a low cross. Mexico intercept just in time. Argentina have improved in the second half.

54' Di Maria with fancy feet on the right before whipping in a cross, before a collision in the box works in Mexico's favour.

A much better start from Argentina, and they'll need to sustain this momentum to stand any chance. Their World Cup campaign is on the line..

Argentina need those one-two's in attack.
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 26, 2022

52' Messi chips it over the wall, but it doesn't trouble Ochoa - well above the upright. Argentina will need to start again.

Messi now with a free-kick well within his range. We haven't seen a direct free-kick goal at the World Cup just yet, and no one's better at them than this man..

50' Brilliant from Mac Allister to play Messi into space, and Erick Gutierrez steps in with an absolutely necessary foul - he'll happily accept that yellow card.

49' Rodriguez gives it away in a suicidal position! Vega and Lozano gang up on the Argentine defence, but Lisandro Martinez cleans it up. Another nervy start from Argentina.

48' Hirving Lozano spins Guido Rodriguez and cuts in for a shot, but the latter recovers just in time to make the block! Mexico are the dangerous on the counter!

47' Poor pass from Acuna straight to his Mexican marker, and Mac Allister handles the ball while attempting to win it back. Mexico's free-kick.

46' Less than a minute in, and Mexico already chip in with a foul. Sets the tone for another feisty 45.

The second half is underway!
Argentina get things started, attacking from right to left.

Right, we're back for the second half. Argentina have been a mere shadow, can they conjure up some magic?

Lisandro Martinez’s game by numbers vs. Mexico:

89% pass accuracy
41 touches
31 passes completed
1 ground duel won
1 aerial duel won
1 clearance
1 interception

Putting his body on the line. 😤 pic.twitter.com/yL2CC2tEzz
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 26, 2022

For the past two years, Argentina played with perfect harmony under Scaloni. They come to the World Cup and they channel their inner Sampaoli.

What exactly happened?
— Sara 🦋 (@SaraFCBi) November 26, 2022

One issue with Messi in the side, and it happened when we brought Haaland in, is this fixation of trying to force the pass to them (because they're the best). Teams put two, three players on them. Their teammates play impatiently, too vertical — turnovers and errors galore.
— Umir (@umirf1) November 26, 2022

0 - #Argentina 🇦🇷 have failed to register a single shot on target in the first half in three of their last seven #WorldCup games, as many as in their previous 59 games in the competition. Nerves. pic.twitter.com/eJImAl1o9h
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 26, 2022

Argentina not having much width. And when they do get the ball, they get fouled which is killing any play they are trying to create. Very tense. 🇦🇷
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 26, 2022

Argentina have a tournament-defining half ahead of them. And they need to show some serious improvement.
— TalkFCB © (@talkfcb_) November 26, 2022

Di Maria been the only player that looks like making anything happen. Was the same in the second half of the Saudi Arabia game too.

Wonder if it's a matter of the space he's getting on the right side (and if so, have him rotate with Messi, with Messi playing on the right).
— Umir (@umirf1) November 26, 2022

Mexico will be fairly happy with this performance, and come away from the first half comfortably unscathed. El Tri won't be too unhappy with a draw in this fixture, but they will get a fair share of chances on the counter.

Argentina will need leaps and bounds of improvement to stay in the competition. Can they step up? We'll be back in 15 to find out.

A poor, poor half from Argentina, and they need a drastic improvement in the second half to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The Albicelestes were unable to get past the Mexican midfield for the most part, and on the odd occasion where they did manage to enter the final third, they were wasteful at best.

Lionel Messi is being forced to drop deep just to get touches of the ball, and the Argentine midfielders (bar Mac Allister) haven't made a single progressive pass. Scaloni has some strong decisions to make in the second half.

HALF-TIME: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

45+6' Good play from Argentina, their best move so far! Acuna with a cross in, and Mexico concede a corner.

45+5' Vega with an ambitious shot! The striker finds a surprising amount of space, but his shot had too much elevation on it.

45+2' De Paul loses the ball yet again, and Messi commits a foul in his attempt to win the ball back.

Five minutes of time added at the end of the first half.

45' Vega!! Shot on target, but Martinez is in a good position to make a diving save. Gets the ball out to Messi quickly, but three Mexico players immediately surround him.

Free-kick for Mexico at an excellent shooting distance..

43' Yellow Card for Gonzalo Montiel. That's a bad foul from the full-back, he catches Gutierrez with an incredibly late boot.

41' Mexico make a surprise substitution, it seems to be an injury off the ball. Andres Guardado off, Erick Gutierrez replaces him in Mexico's midfield.

41' Di Maria with a cross! Lautaro Martinez gets his head to it, but doesn't get the angle right. Goal-kick.

40' Corner for Argentina, with Montiel attempting a cross. Can they get their first-half goal?

39' Messi gets a bit of space on the edge of the box and passes it on to De Paul, but the midfielder runs it out of play. Argentina are getting into the final third but seem unable to create a concrete chance at the moment.

36' Di Maria leaves Gallardo in his wake with a drop of the shoulder, but runs into a wall of Mexican midfielders who concede a throw-in.

34' Messi goes for goal from a tight angle, but Ochoa is on hand to punch it. The ball goes straight up, though, and the goalkeeper is lucky to receive a foul from Licha Martinez. Mexico with a free-kick in their own box.

33' The ball is cleared out to De Paul, who tries to run down the right. Alexis Vega intercepts with a proper striker's challenge, and is lucky not to go into the book. A set-piece chance for Argentina.

32' Di Maria gets into the game with a bustling run from the left and forces Alvarez to concede Argentina's first corner.

30' Ochoa attempts a long ball to his forwards. Route one stuff, but both Lozano and Vega are offside.

28' Acuna takes the ball to the by-line and sits his man down before whipping in a cross. The referee calls for a foul on Alvarez, however, and Mexico can take a breath.

25' And finally, Argentina create something of a chance! Good link-up play from Messi and Mac Allister who work it wide to Montiel, but the full-back is inaccurate in the cross.

We don't always see Messi pressing, but this is effectively a knock-out, and the legend has stepped up off the ball. Forces Araujo into an awkward position and Acuna wins the ball. The defender has no choice but to bring him down and goes into the book.

22' Yellow Card for Nestor Araujo.

21' Inventive set-piece from Mexico - they take it short and lob it into the box. Martinez drops the ball momentarily, but is quick to recover.

20' Lozano wins a foul in a dangerous area! Mexico now have a shooting opportunity. Argentina are a bundles of nerves at the moment.

16' Lozano finds space and lines up a shot, but Otamendi wins the ball in the nick of time! Wins a foul as well, and Argentina have the ball again.

15' Another poor touch from De Paul, and Mexico win the ball again! Argentina not keeping the ball particularly well at the moment.

12' Mexico attempt another counter, but Otamendi is on hand with the interception! Mexico's game plan crystal clear at the moment.

11' Foul on De Paul, and Chavez has been aggressive. He does need to be careful not to go into the referee's book too early.

10' Close from Mexico! Cesar Montez gets a boot on the cross, and Herrera at the far post nearly bundles it in. Argentina survive, but only just.

9' A poor corner from Mexico, and it's straight to Messi. Argentina clear their lines, and Mexico start again. Montiel fouls Lozano, and El Tri now have another set-piece opportunity.

8' De Paul loses out to Vega in his own half, and a cross goes into Argentina's box. Lisandro Martinez is on hand to clear, and Mexico now have a corner.

Neither side happy with the referee there, and that sets the tone for tonight. Argentina want something more than a foul, and Mexico believe that there wasn't a foul in the first place. This should be fun!

5' A foul from Mexico, and Argentina are incredibly lucky there! Martinez loses the ball in midfield, and Mexico are suddenly in a 2v1. Alexis Vega's high arm against Montiel spares their blushes, and the South Americans can breathe again.

3' Messi glides through midfield with an incisive run and in the blink of an eye, Argentina are in the final third. Mexico get numbers back, however, and Argentina have to restart.

2' Argentina predictably dominating the ball in the opening stages, and Mexico seem happy to allow them the indulgence. El Tri have players on the counter and are no slugs in a foot race.

KICK-OFF!
Mexico get things underway, attacking from right to left.

Right, the players are in their places and we're only moments away now..

The Argentina - Mexico game is going to be off the hook. The vibe here is on one MILLION!#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BHRgkmbJT5
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) November 26, 2022

A shake of the hands and players begin to take their positions. An electric, deafening atmosphere - I'm not sure how the players will be able to hear themselves. Or the referee, for that matter! This feels like a proper World Cup match, one for the ages.

Time for the anthems! An incredible atmosphere at the Lusail Stadium tonight - absolutely raucous!

We're only 45 minutes away from kick-off, and we've already witnessed plenty of speculation around this game. While we wait for the game to begin, here are a few interesting statistics ahead of this game:

Argentina vs Mexico Head-to-Head stats and numbers you need to know before Match 24 of FIFA World Cup 2022

Mexico will likely take the field with a five-man back-line, with Alexis Vega and Hirving Lozano chipping in with their pace on the counter. Raul Jimenez is on the bench and could be an effective option if Mexico decide to alter their style.

Lionel Scaloni has made a few changes to his midfield, with Guido Rodriguez and Alexis Mac Allister coming into the starting XI in place of Papu Gomez and Leandro Paredes. The front three remains intact, however, with Angel Di Maria keeping his place in the side after a relatively ineffective performance against Saudi Arabia.

This is a must-win game for Argentina. For Lionel Messi and his men, everything is on the line - they're effectively playing a final. This may well be Messi's last World Cup, and the Argentines will need to rally around one of the best players in history.

Lionel Messi is all smiles ahead of Argentina-Mexico 👀 pic.twitter.com/mEzJhpHmTF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 26, 2022

Argentina XI (4-3-3):
Emiliano Martinez; Gabriel Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna; Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez

Mexico XI (3-5-2):
Guillermo Ochoa; Nestor Araujo, Hector Moreno, Cesar Montes; Jesus Gallardo, Kevin Alvarez, Andres Guardado, Luis Chavez, Hector Herrera; Hirving Lozano, Alexis Vega

Substitutes:

Argentina:
Franco Armani, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, German Pezzella, Julian Alvarez, Geronimo Rulli, Cristian Romero, Exequiel Palacios, Angel Correa, Thiago Almada, Papu Gomez, Paulo Dybala, Enzo Fernandez, Nahuel Molina

Mexico:
Alfredo Talavera, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez, Gerardo Arteaga, Luis Romo, Carlos Rodriguez, Raul Jimenez, Rogerio Mori, Rodolfo Cota, Erick Gutierrez, Orbelin Pineda, Jorge Sanchez, Henry Martin, Uriel Antuna, Roberto Alvarado

Here are the lineups!

Hello, and welcome to Sportskeeda's coverage of what is set to be a 2022 FIFA World Cup encounter between Argentina and Mexico! I'm Aditya Hosangadi, your host for the evening, and we'll have live updates on this page over the course of the game.

Date & Time

27 November, Sun 12:30 AM IST

Tournament

FIFA World Cup

Stadium

Lusail Iconic Stadium

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