Argentina suffered one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history when losing to Saudi Arabia and they’ll need to respond against Mexico.
The South American giants have been tipped by many to go deep into the competition, but they were bullied into submission by Saudi Arabia as they fell to a 2-1 defeat in their Group C opener.
Argentina dominated the first half as Saudi failed to register a single shot on or off target and Lionel Messi’s penalty had the Copa America champions leading 1-0 at half time.
However, the momentum shifted in the second period as the Green Falcons threw bodies into the attack and earned their reward with goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari to seal a 2-1 win.
That loss leaves Argentina desperate for a win in their second group encounter and Mexico, who played out a goalless draw with Poland, could be in for a rough time.
Mexico had the majority of possession and chances but Poland went closest to scoring when Robert Lewandowski’s penalty was saved by Guillermo Ochoa.
El Tri know that not losing this game puts them in a strong position to advance, although they’d likely need to get a win over Saudi Arabia in their final game to reach the last 16.
Argentina vs Mexico Betting Tips
- Argentina to win to nil @ 6/4
- #PickYourPunt – Both teams to score – No, Lautaro Martinez to score anytime and Mexico to receive most booking points @ 13/2
Team news
Lionel Messi trained away from his Argentina teammates on Thursday but the Paris Saint-Germain star is still expected to start against Mexico.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez begun on the bench against Saudi Arabia but he could be named in the starting XI this time with Cristian Romero or Nicolas Otamendi set to miss out.
There could also be changes in midfield with Gonzalo Montiel and Alexis Mac Allister both hopeful of getting the nod.
Mexico frontman Raul Jimenez was introduced from the bench with just 20 minutes to go against Poland and he’s pushing for a starting berth in the place of Henry Martin.
There are no injury concerns for Mexico boss Tata Martino and he’s set to stick with Hirving Lozano and Alexis Vega on the wings.
Argentina to win to nil @ 6/4
Argentina looked slick in the opening 45 against Saudi Arabia but wilted in the face of an aggressive press in the second half.
It has already gone down as one of the biggest shocks in a World Cup and, with their pride hurt, Argentina will be eager to make a statement against Mexico.
They were unbeaten in 35 games prior to Tuesday’s defeat and they haven’t lost back-to-back games since 2016.
That doesn’t bode well for Mexico, who haven’t beaten Argentina in the last 10 meetings, losing six and drawing four.
The Central Americans lacked bite in the final third against Poland and that could prove to be a major issue in this clash.
Mexico have lost each of their last three encounters with Argentina without scoring and another win to nil looks on the cards for La Albiceleste.
#PickYourPunt – Both teams to score – No, Lautaro Martinez to score anytime and Mexico to receive most booking points @ 13/2
Sticking with the theme of Argentina winning to nil, the first selection in our #PickYourPunt is both teams to score – No.
Messi is always regarded as the most likely to register whether he’s playing for club or country and he delivered from the penalty spot in the loss to Saudi Arabia.
But Lautaro Martinez is another candidate worth considering as part of our #PickYourPunt after he saw an effort ruled out for offside in that defeat, while he found plenty of space as Messi attracted all the attention.
Finally, Mexico to receive the most booking points offers appeal as they are likely to have their hands full throughout the contest and could even let frustration get the better of them.
