Lionel Messi led Argentina to their third FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar more than two years ago. Yet, the memories of La Albiceleste’s incredible journey remain vivid for football fans worldwide. Argentina won 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the final match versus France concluded in an exciting 3-3 tie.
The road to glory, however, was far from smooth. Lionel Messi’s Argentina stumbled in their opening game, suffering a shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. This unexpected loss left the team in dire straits, with a must-win situation against Mexico looming in their second group-stage match.
Lionel Messi’s Game-Changing Moment Against Mexico
The match against Mexico proved to be a turning point. With the scoreline goalless after an hour of play, tension was palpable. However, Lionel Messi had a moment of magic in the 64th minute when he hit the ball low from 20 yards into the net’s corner, past Guillermo Ochoa’s extended arm.The goal not only gave Argentina the lead but also reignited their World Cup campaign.
Enzo Fernandez added a second goal near the end of the match, ensuring a 2-0 victory. Argentina then went on to beat Poland 2-0, topping their group and advancing to the knockout stages.
Emotional Reflections from Pablo Aimar
As a member of the coaching staff, Argentina’s assistant coach Pablo Aimar recently considered the emotional impact of Messi’s goal against Mexico. Aimar, Roberto Ayala, and Walter Samuel were among the Argentina team that lost in the group stages of the 2002 World Cup—a heartbreaking recollection that persisted for more than 20 years.
In an interview, Aimar revealed:
“I became tearful at that very time. I, Ayala, and Samuel make up that coaching staff. In the group stage of the 2002 World Cup, the three of us were eliminated. That objective was akin to declaring, “We’re still here; it won’t happen again.”
Lionel Messi’s Reaction After the Mexico Match
Following Argentina’s crucial victory against Mexico, Lionel Messi emphasized the importance of the match and praised Mexico’s performance:
Mexico played incredibly well, so it was a difficult game to get ourselves up for. We were aware that we had to win today in order to advance to the next World Cup. We must now maintain our vigilance. We cannot make a mistake because we still have all finals to play.
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Lionel Messi: A Legacy of Excellence
Lionel Messi’s brilliance during the 2022 FIFA World Cup solidified his status as one of the greatest players in football history. As Argentina’s most-capped player (191 appearances) and all-time top scorer (112 goals), Messi’s contributions to his country’s success are unparalleled.
From rescuing Argentina in the group stages to leading them to the ultimate glory, Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup journey remains an unforgettable chapter in football history.