Among a jam-packed weekend schedule at the FIFA World Cup, Argentina are involved in a must-win encounter with Mexico.
Following a shock defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia in their Group C opener, La Albiceleste are on a mission to get their first points at the 2022 World Cup.
Argentina were beaten by the Arabian nation, 2-1, in what has been described as the greatest upset in World Cup history. Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the opening 10 minutes, before two quick-fire goals early in the second half turned the match on its head.
In the loss to Saudi Arabia, the men in blue and white were caught offside seven times in the first half and they had three goals disallowed inside 35 minutes.
Argentina were caught offside seven times in the first half against Saudi Arabia – more than any side in a match at the 2018 World Cup or in the 2022 tournament so far.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 22, 2022
[@OptaAnalyst]#ARG | #KSA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/oXb2pIcC4a
On a more positive note, Messi became the first Argentina player to score at four editions of the World Cup. The 35-year-old has found the net seven times in 20 matches at the World Cup finals. Overall, it was his 91st goal in 165 appearances for La Albiceleste.
It was back to the drawing board for manager Lionel Scaloni who has stamped his mark on the national team since his post began four years ago.
Coming into the World Cup, the Argentinians were 36 games unbeaten under Scaloni and were last on the losing side in the 2019 Copa America final, as they went down to neighbours and rivals Brazil.
Argentina’s unbeaten run of 36 games has come to an end. The last time they lost before today was on the 3rd July 2019, against Brazil. That was 1239 days ago.
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 22, 2022
A disastrous start to their World Cup campaign. 🫥 pic.twitter.com/LjPTfGDiYb
Argentina still have two group matches remaining and victory in both would see them progress to the Round of 16 for a ninth time in the last 10 World Cup tournaments.
They face Mexico on Saturday before fulfilling their Group C obligations against Poland on Wednesday. Although unlikely, victory for Mexico over Argentina would see the reigning South American champions certain for elimination from the groups.
Looking at the history between the two nations, they have met three times at the World Cup. The first rendezvous came at the inaugural edition of the event in 1930. In more modern times, they encountered one another in the last-16 in 2006 and again in 2010; Argentina won on all three occasions.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Just like it’s a must-win for Argentina, the same can be said of their opposition on Saturday. Mexico settled for a 1-1 draw with Poland in their World Cup opener and, as it stands, any of the four teams could advance to the knockouts.
La Albiceleste are aiming to get their World Cup campaign up and running at the second time of asking, and they are 1.50 to pick up a win over Mexico. Odds of 4.00 for a draw, while Mexico are 7.00 to beat Argentina.
Messi has odds of 3.60 to score the first goal of the match, or 2.10 to claim a goal anytime. Lautaro Martínez is 5.50 to open the scoring, or 3.00 to score anytime. (Bet365)
Prior to their loss to Saudi Arabia, Argentina were 6.50 to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, however those odds have since dipped to 9.50. (Bet365)
