Argentina will look to put Tuesday’s shock defeat behind them and get their World Cup campaign back on track in their Group C encounter against Mexico.
The pre-tournament favourites will have Lionel Messi leading them out despite reports of an ankle injury.
Mexico coach Gerardo Martino managed Messi in his previous roles at Argentina and Barcelona. He is warning his side to expect the Argentine captain to be on top form. Martino told the BBC: “We have to think Messi will show his best version.”
Messi was smothered by Saudi Arabia in the opening game and can expect similar treatment from Mexico. It will be crucial for Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez to pose a greater threat in this game to stretch Mexico and create space for Messi.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni believes his team has what it takes to recover from their opening defeat. Scaloni said in the press conference: “When you are knocked out you have to get up, and my players are more than capable of doing so.”
If Argentina loses, they will be out of the tournament. An unthinkable scenario for Argentina fans. Messi’s World Cup legacy hangs in the balance.
