Lionel Messi celebrates scoring Argentina’s goal against Mexico at the Qatar World Cup
(Reuters) – Soccer star Lionel Messi said another World Cup had begun for Argentina on Saturday after they got back on track to beat Mexico 2-0 in their second Group C match at the World Cup. in Qatar.
Argentina scored the opener in the 18th minute thanks to a brilliant finish from Messi, who beat goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa with a low shot from outside the penalty area after an Angel Di María pass.
The Albiceleste’s second goal came in the 41st minute of the final stage in a wonderful curved shot by Enzo Fernández.
“We knew that today we had to win, that today was the start of another World Cup for us… we are back to who we are”, said Messi after the game at the Lusail stadium, in front of more than 80,000 fans.
“We can’t give up now… we have finals ahead of us, we couldn’t go wrong,” added Messi, who in the match against Mexico equaled Diego Maradona’s record of 21 appearances in World Cups with Argentina.
Argentina starred in the biggest surprise of the Cup in Qatar, losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, named as the weakest team in the group, in its debut in the tournament. With the victory over Mexico, the Argentines now have three points and face Poland, leaders with four, in the final group game on Wednesday.
To qualify, Argentina needs to win in the last round, otherwise it will depend on the result of the match between Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
Messi said that in the game against the Saudis the team suffered from a number of factors, including many teammates making their debuts in World Cups, but warned that now there are no more excuses.
“We cannot give up now”, repeated the Argentine captain.
(Reporting by Daniela Desantis)
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