Argentina could have been heading for an early World Cup exit without Lionel Messi on Saturday, or at the very least leaving themselves with a massive uphill battle in their third and final group game.
La Albiceleste came into the 2022 World Cup as one of the hot favourites, third in FIFA’s world rankings and having gone 36 games unbeaten over a three-year period.
But a shock defeat against Saudi Arabia in the opening game, even after taking the lead early in the game when Messi scored from the penalty spot, was not the start they wanted or needed.
Defeat in a tough game against Mexico…
