Messi inspires Argentina to crucial victory over Mexico

 Argentina’s World Cup bid was successfully restarted as their prodigy spurred the South Americans to a critical victory over Mexico in Lusail Stadium here.

Argentina’s chances of winning the World Cup were in jeopardy when the ex 35-year-old Barca hero blasted a 22-yard free kick over the crossbar six minutes after half-time.

In the wake of a shocking opening setback to Saudi Arabia, Scaloni’s side realised failure would mean the end of the road in Qatar. Angel Di Maria’s ball was intercepted by Messi, who then accurately fired from outside the area into the bottom corner.

Enzo Fernandez, who came on as a second-half substitute, calmed any lingering nerves as he strolled into the area from a short corner to curl past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and start an Argentinian party at the scene of their desolation only four days ago following their shocking defeat by Saudi Arabia.