Desperate Argentina take on Mexico

Argentina’s World Cup campaign started with a huge shock as their 36-match unbeaten run was ended by Saudi Arabia in a stunning 2-1 defeat for the Albiceleste.

And now, every match from there on has turned into a do-or-die clash for the South American Champions as they take on Mexico in their second match of the tournament. Dropping points in this match would send Argentina almost to the brink of a group stage exit, something they have not suffered since 2002, the last World Cup before this in Asia.

Argentina need a lot to change from their first match where they looked down and out tactically, physically, and mentally.

Lionel Scaloni is likely to bring a couple of changes for their clash against Mexico to change the energy of the team on the field as Lisandro Martinez is set to replace Christian Romero in defence, with Alexis MacAllister replacing Papu Gomez in the midfield.

He would also be hoping for more from his skipper Lionel Messi, who was expertly neutralised by the Saudi defence.

Ahead of the match, Scaloni said that his team would do everything to ensure to win.

“This group received a hit but we are ready to get up. There is a whole country behind us waiting for us to do well. This team is going to leave everything until the last minute that we are on the field,” he said in a press conference on Friday.

The Argentina coach added, “We are going to leave everything. Have confidence because a setback will not tarnish the path we have travelled.”

Striker Lautaro Martinez, who had two goals ruled out against Saudi Arabia to offside, tagged the match as a final.

“Tomorrow is a final for us. Everything we have inside is going to have to go out on the pitch. It’s a key game that defines many things for the future,” he said.

The striker added, “Tomorrow is a final for us. Everything we have inside is going to have to go out on the pitch. It’s a key game that defines many things for the future.”

On the other hand, Mexico were lucky to leave their game against Poland with a point as Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty in that game.

Their form is also a worry as they have won only two of their last six matches, losing three. In those matches, they have conceded six goals.

Their record against Argentina is not on their side either as they have lost six out of their seven clashes against them.

But they will be hoping that they can repeat what Saudi Arabia did, while Argentina will search for their first three points in the tournament.