Lionel Messi’s stunning goal kept Argentina’s World Cup hopes alive
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It was a goal of practically nothing. Angel Di Maria took the ball down the right, cut inside and squared to Lionel Messi. The Argentina number 10, rather unbelievably, was left unmarked just outside the box in the centre, about 25 yards from the Mexican goal. Messi calmly received the ball, lined up a shot and drilled it into the bottom corner to the goalkeeper’s left.
Rightfully so, past midnight in India, ‘WHAT A GOAL’ started trending on social media.
Messi has scored more goals in his career. But it was an important one and one of the most important of the eight World Cup goals he has now scored or, for that matter, of the 788 career senior goals to his name.
of Argentina #FIFAWorldCup Long live the hopes! 🇦🇷@adidasfootball | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 26, 2022
Because by that moment – in the 64th minute of their Pool C clash against Mexico – Argentina were on the brink of an embarrassing group stage exit. He described the match against Mexico as his ‘first World Cup final’. And, after a first half where they barely managed a shot on goal, Mexico pressed them for space and were dictating most of the game.
For Argentina, a moment of encouragement from their captain was all it took to eventually win 2-0. Messi’s wonder strike after the hour mark was followed by Enzo Fernandez’s even better finish in the 87th minute to give Argentina their first win at the World Cup.
The result puts Argentina’s campaign back on track after a shock opening defeat by Saudi Arabia. However, it was all about Messi who looked pumped from the start.
A Thing of Beauty by Leo Masseypic.twitter.com/yn7xMd1l1m
— CG (@poisonivyyyyyy_) November 26, 2022
Messi is equal to Diego Maradona.
One of the greatest players of this generation, watching his first World Cup in his final appearance on the big stage, equaled the legendary Diego Maradona for the most goals scored for Argentina at the World Cup. Messi and Maradona both have eight goals each and coincidentally both took 21 games to reach that tally.
Messi has also scored 13 goals for Argentina in 2022, his most in a calendar year for the national team, and is now on 58 goals in 46 appearances for club and country in 2022. have been directly involved. .com
Group C scenario
Argentina will hope their most influential player continues his scoring touch in the upcoming games.
The win means Argentina are now second in Group C with three points from two matches, behind Poland who have four points from two matches. Saudi Arabia is third with three points while Mexico is bottom of the four-team group with just one point.
They still have a lot of work to do to reach the round of 16. Simply put, Argentina must win their final group game to avoid any complications.
Argentina will advance to the knockout rounds if they beat Poland in their final group match on Wednesday (Thursday, 12.30 IST). A draw could be enough for them but then they will have to depend on the result of the match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico, which will be played simultaneously.
