Argentina are in danger of a shock early exit as they take on Mexico after they lost their opener against Saudi Arabia.
The South American champions must win on Saturday at the Lusail Stadium against Mexico, following the 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia last Tuesday.
The Copa America holders took the lead through a Lionel Messi penalty but got three more goals ruled out due to offside. To the surprise of virtually everyone, the Arabians took over the second half with aggressiveness by scoring two quick goals to end Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten run.
Guillermo Ochoa was Mexico’s hero when they played Poland as the veteran goalkeeper saved Robert Lewandowski’s penalty to secure a point for La Tri.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
Prior to Argentina’s defeat to Saudi Arabia, they hadn’t lost in over three years. They now have four wins in their last five games and the two goals conceded against Saudi Arabia are the only ones they have allowed in that period. Mexico have lost to Sweden and Columbia in their last five games while winning twice.
ARGENTINA’S FORM
22 November 2022 Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia 2022 World Cup Group C
16 November 2022 UAE 0–5 Argentina Friendly
27 September 2022 Jamaica 0–3 Argentina Friendly
23 September 2022 Argentina 3–0 Honduras Friendly
5 June 2022 Argentina 5–0 Estonia Friendly
MEXICO’S FORM
22 November 2022 Mexico 0-0 Poland 2022 World Cup Group C
16 November 2022 Mexico 1–2 Sweden Friendly
9 November 2022 Mexico 4–0 Iraq Friendly
27 September 2022 Mexico 2–3 Colombia Friendly
24 September 2022 Mexico 1–0 Peru Friendly
HEAD TO HEAD
The have met seven times in Copa America and FIFA competitions. Argentina have won four and lost one with three draws. This would be their third meeting at the World Cup with Argentina winning the previous two in 2006 and 2010.
20 Jun 1993 Argentina 1-1 Mexico Copa America
04 Jul 1993 Argentina 2-1 Mexico Copa America
10 Jul 2004 Argentina 0-1 Mexico Copa America
26 Jun 2005 Mexico 1-1 Argentina FIFA Confederations Cup
24 Jun 2006 Argentina 2-1 Mexico FIFA World Cup
11 Jul 2007 Argentina 3-0 Mexico Copa America
27 Jun 2010 Argentina 3-1 Mexico FIFA World Cup
TEAM NEWS
ARGENGTINA
Argentina have a fully fit team to battle Mexico. Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Di Maria are all expected to start as the Copa America champions chase their first win.
PREDICTED LINE UP
(4-3-3): E. Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister; Messi, La. Martinez, Di Maria
MEXICO
Mexico similarly have a full squad to select from ahead of the encounter. Raul Jiménez may start from the bench once again after not making the expected impact in the previous game.
PREDICTED LINE UP
(4-3-3): Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo; Alvarez, Herrera, Chavez; Lozano, Martin, Vega