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Argentina defeat Mexico 2-0 to keep World Cup campaign alive

We’re tracking the action in the big clash for Group C in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

By Chinmay Vaidya Updated
Mexico v Argentina
Jose Juan Vazquez of Mexico and Lionel Messi of Argentina during a international friendly at AT&T Stadium on September 8, 2015 in Arlington, Texas.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Argentina and Mexico meet in Group C to conclude Saturday’s World Cup schedule and the stakes are massive for both sides. Argentina come into this match after losing their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia, while Mexico are entering after a draw with Poland to start things off in group play.

Argentina would be eliminated from the competition with a loss in this match. Mexico would face an uphill climb if they fell in this contest. Poland currently hold the top spot in Group C after a win over Saudi Arabia Saturday.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Argentina are heavy favorites in this match at -200 on the moneyline. A draw comes in at +310, while Mexico are listed at +650. In three all-time World Cup matches, Argentina are 3-0 against Mexico. Argentina have won the last three meetings between the two sides and haven’t lost an international match against Mexico since 2004.

Below we’ll be tracking all the action for Argentina vs. Mexico in the World Cup.

Argentina vs. Mexico live updates

Full time - It’s all over! Argentina secure a 2-0 win over Mexico and are now right in the thick of things when it comes to advancing to the round of 16. They’ll still need a result in the last match but now it doesn’t have to be a win.

87th minute - ANOTHER GOAL FOR ARGENTINA! This time, it’s the substitute Enzo Fernandez who comes through for the South American side. They should not be caught from here.

85th minute - We’ve entered the danger zone for both teams but really Argentina need to hold on here. They absolutely cannot afford a loss, and Mexico are starting to really push for an equalizer. It’s about to be a wild finish here to close out Saturday’s World Cup action.

72nd minute - With Argentina now up 1-0, we’re starting to see Mexico push the ball a bit more up the pitch. The team might also remove the fifth defender for a more attacking formation. A loss doesn’t completely eliminate El Tri but it makes qualification for the knockout round extremely difficult. A draw should be the focus for Mexico now and these last 20 minutes will be interesting from a tactical standpoint.

64th minute - GOAL FOR ARGENTINA! Lionel Messi strikes from just outside the box and gives his team a 1-0 lead!

57th minute - Argentina have been the more aggressive side to open this second half but they have been unable to finish off attacks. That has led to some frustration from fans, who audibly booed after the most recent failed attack which saw Messi attempt an aerial through pass which found nobody.

51st minute - Messi goes down just outside the box and Mexico receives a yellow card. Messi takes the free kick and it sails well over the goal. Yet another missed opportunity for the legendary Argentina attacker.

Halftime - It’s 0-0 at the break and both teams have had some solid attempts on goal. Argentina absolutely cannot afford a loss, while Mexico wouldn’t be eliminated with one but it would be extremely hard to make the knockout stage. Argentina have controlled the game with 68% possession but only have one shot to show for it. Each side has received one yellow card so far. Argentina has had three corners to Mexico’s one, but El Tri have three shots to Argentina’s one.

45th minute - A fantastic save by Martinez! Alexis Vega puts a brilliant effort from a free kick on the frame and the Argentina keeper hangs on for the save. It’s been the best chance of the contest so far, but we’re still tied 0-0.

42nd minute - Guardado has been subbed off in a rare first-half switch. The veteran is getting a nice ovation from the Mexico faithful and is a legend for his country in this sport. This is likely his last World Cup and depending on the tactics against Saudi Arabia, it could be his last World Cup match.

34th minute - We’ve seen the first good chance from Lionel Messi off a free kick, which Guillermo Ochoa was able to get hands on with ease. Messi did have good curl on this kick and the shot did take some saving but Ochoa was never in danger of being beaten here.

30th minute - Argentina have made some moves into the Mexico third of the pitch but we’ve still got 0-0 on the scoreboard. Both teams don’t necessarily need a win here to advance but absolutely must avoid a loss. We’re not quite seeing either side go completely into a shell but there have been some half-measures at times in the first half.

20th minute - Mexico have done some creative things off a few set pieces but haven’t quite been able to put the final move together. Argentina still haven’t threatened the Mexico defense, and that could be because of that fifth defender for this game. Mexico have been able to do enough on the offensive end despite that extra defender, so the tactic is working well at the moment for El Tri.

10th minute - We’ve already seen some questionable foul calls in this contest but the more important thing is Mexico being the aggressor to open things up. El Tri have had better opportunities, including a potentially easy chance on a cross if a player had made a run to the far post. Argentina are putting the ball in pressure areas and Mexico are not letting them get away with it so far.

1st minute - Mexico has gone with five defenders at the back, which might be a tactical adjustment specific to this game with Argentina’s dynamic attackers. Andres Guardado also starts this game for Mexico after being on the bench against Poland. We’ll see if these adjustments work for Mexico in this match.

Here’s a look at the starting lineups for both teams for Saturday’s contest.

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