Qatar 2022: Argentina vs Mexico Live

{{{message}}}

{{players.0.helmet}}	{{players.0.name}}	{{players.0.points}}	{{heatResult.firstTeam}}:{{heatResult.secondTeam}}
{{players.1.helmet}}	{{players.1.name}}	{{players.1.points}}
{{players.2.helmet}}	{{players.2.name}}	{{players.2.points}}
{{players.3.helmet}}	{{players.3.name}}	{{players.3.points}}

19:25

We have a big one tonight. Lionel Messi and Argentina's World Cup hopes are on the line as they take on Mexico. La Abisceleste suffered a shock defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening group game and are starring at an exit if they lose to Mexico tonight.

19:28

Meanwhile, Mexico started their campaign with a draw against Poland, but they have their captain and World Cup legend Ochoa to thank after he denied Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot.

Here's how both teams line-up. Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez are in the squad after playing a substitute role against Saudi Arabia.

19:38

The pressure is on Argentina but they have a good record against Mexico. They are unbeaten in their last 10 matches against tonight's opponents while they have won all their three World Cup matches against them. Only Italy (4) against Austria and Argentina (5) against Nigeria have won more matches against the same opponent at the World Cup.

19:43

The players are out on the pitch, with the two teams belting out their national anthems passionately. Now it is time for the main course.

19:57

KICK-OFF

20:08

Sorry for the delay in updates, it was due to some technical issues. The game has started on a frenetic and feisty pace. Argentina are in for a battle tonight.

20:10

Italian referee Daniel Orsato is the man in the middle tonight, but it could be a busy night for him.

20:13

First yellow card of the game after 21 minutes goes to Araujo for a dangerous tackle on Mac Alister.

20:23

Although the game is played at a fast pace, there has not been a clear chance.

20:29

Argentina have a freekick in a dangerous position, but can they make it count?

20:33

No they can't. Messi whips in free-kick, but Ochoa was able to punch it away before Mexico were awarded a freekick.

20:35

Second corner of the game for Argentina, but nothing comes out of it again as Lautaro Martinez heads wide.

20:41

Early change for Mexico. Andres Guardado comes off for Gutiérrez. An injury-enforced change probably.

20:43

Gutiérrez immediately earns a freekick in his first involvement

20:44

Brilliant freekick, but Emilano Martinez saves comfortably. First shot on target for Mexico/

20:45

Five added minutes. This game has moved so fast that I forgot we have used 45 minutes.

20:46

Argentina 0-0 Mexico. It has been feisty, but there is no goal in the opening half in Lusail.

20:51

Argentina 0-0 Mexico. We are back underway for the second half

21:07

A draw does not help both teams, but it keeps them alive.

21:07

Argentina will need to show more if they want to get the three points in this match. Time for Lionel Scaloni to look to his bench. Rodrigo De Paul and Di Maria have not done anything in this game.

21:10

Argentina has a freekick in a dangerous position. Time for Messi to step up.

21:11

Again, the pressure gets to him as he puts the ball over the bar. It has not clicked for the PSG man in this game.

21:12

Argentina change. Enzo Fernandez comes on to replace Guido Rodriguez

21:18

Mexico have a freekick in a dangerous position, but Argentina clear their lines.

Could it be a confidence issue for Argentina?

21:21

Argentina 1-0 Mexico. Well, they may have confidence issues, but Messi has just put the two-time World Champions ahead.

21:26

And it came at a vital moment. The Paris Saint-Germain unleashed a low drive past Ochoa to put Argentina ahead and keep their hopes alive. One of his most important goals.

21:27

Argentina change. Di Maria and Mac Alister leave for Cristian Gabriel Romero and Exequiel Palacios. Scaloni trying to protect the lead, by the look of things.

21:30

The goal is Messi's eighth in 21 World Cup appearances, putting him level with Diego Maradona, who also played 21 World Cup games. Only Gabriel Batistusta (10) has more World Cup goals than Messi.

21:34

Roberto Alvarado comes on for Hirving Lozano

Messi went through all the emotions after scoring that goal.

21:38

Nine minutes left for Mexico to find an equaliser. However, They are still in it if it stays like this but they will need to beat Saudi Arabi while hope Argentina beat Poland to qualify.

The goal that changed everything.

21:44

Argentina 2-0 Mexico. Game over. Enzo Fernandez scores a goal worthy of winning any game as he showed brilliant skill before firing a brilliant curler past Ochoa.

21:49

Six minutes of added time.

Another stat involving Messi.

21:54

Mexico are trying so hard to pull one back, but Argentina have repelled everything that has been thrown at them.

21:56

FT. Argentina 2-0 Mexico. It was not easy, but goals from Messi and Fernandez finally get Argentina's Qatar 2022 World Cup campaign up and running following that upset against Saudi Arabia.

21:58

There is still a lot to play for these teams going into the final group game. Right now, Poland lead the group with four points following the 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia and their draw against Mexico. Argentina and Saudi are level on points, La Abisceleste stay second due to a better goal difference. Mexico are last but not out as they have one point

21:59

All teams can still qualify, which makes things interesting going into the final day. Argentina will qualify with a win over Poland, but the Polish only needs a point to qualify. Meanwhile, Mexico could still qualify if they beat Saudi Arabia and there is a winner between Poland and Argentina, although it would be down to goal difference if Argentina win

22:01

It has been another exciting day of World Cup action, but we have to go now. We are back again tomorrow morning, though. Thank you for joining us, have a good night rest.