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Argentina and Mexico face each other for the fourth time in the FIFA tournaments. Their first-ever meeting within the franchise was at the competition’s first-ever edition. That clash saw Argentina thrashing the North American side by 6 goals to 3. The two teams would meet for the second time at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in the last 16 where Argentina once again defeated the el Tri by a scoreline of 2-1.

The third clash between the two teams happened at the following world cup in South Africa which also saw the South Americans get rid of Mexico in the last 16 with a victory of 3-1. Altogether, the two sides have played against each other for 35 times and Mexico has registered 5 wins against la Albiceleste’s 16. 14 games have ended in a draw.

Besides the historical records, one of the teams now has their World Cup hopes already on the line; Argentina’s shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia in round one of the competition has only doubled the pressure for the South Americans. It’s now definitely all or nothing for the Argentinians. On the other hand, a goalless draw has set the Mexicans on a steady path to the last 16 but the upcoming fixture against Argentina is a must-win for them if they are to really progress.

Mexico has never made it past the knockout stage of the world cup and this time they certainly want to halt that trend. And they very much are also capable of giving upset at this phase considering their 1-0 victory against Germany at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina Vs Mexico Recent Forms

Excluding the loss against Saudi Arabia, Argentina was on 36 games unbeaten run including the 2021 Copa America win against Brazil. They entered the FIFA World Cup 2022 as not just only favorites but one of the certain contenders to lift the trophy itself. Or at least the top fours.

Mexico’s form coming into Qatar should ease the mind of Argentine men a bit. They have lost four of their last ten matches and only won three. Against the higher-ranked FIFA nations, Mexico has only managed to record three wins out of 18 matches.

Argentina Vs Mexico Possible Lineups

There were grave concerns about Messi’s fitness as he has been training away from the rest of his teammates. But sources are positive that the issue isn’t as serious and Messi is available against Mexico from minute 1. Critics were a bit unhappy with Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni going with Papu Gomez in the left flank against Saudi Arabia. So the Sevilla midfielder this time may be sitting on the bench and his team is almost guaranteed to have a dangerous trident of Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Di Maria upfront.

Another questioning decision of Scaloni in Saudi’s game was benching Manchester United’s in-form defender, Lisandro Martinez. While he did have some action in the second half, against Mexico he is certain to start from the first half.

Either Angel Correa or Paulo Dybala is also likely to see some form of action.

As for Mexico, one of their star strikers, Raul Jimenez is also expected to be in the starting 11. The Wolves forward was absent from the national side for three months until his halftime introduction in Mexico’s game against Poland. On the flanks, Hirving Lozano and Alexis Vega are undisputed options. Another sure-enough face for El Tri is the Real Betis mid, Andres Guardado.

Possible Starting 11:

Argentina: E. Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez; Messi, La. Martinez, Di Maria

Mexico: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Gallardo; Herrera, Alvarez, Guardado; Lozano, Martin, Vega

Our Prediction On Argentina Vs Mexico

Argentina while almost perfect on paper until Saudi’s game, also has a custom of giving a scare to their fans in matches of this magnitude; eg, their 2018 FIFA World Cup clash against Nigeria. If that is to follow in their upcoming match, Mexico might take an early lead against them. This will be more probable given that Argentina will be in full-on attacking mode from the first minute and subsequently more prone to counterattack. They are assuredly vulnerable when they are the most desperate.

But then again, la Albiceleste also has a habit of just-just making it through. It very much is going to be nail-biting until the end.

Projected scoreline: Argentina 2-1 Mexico

Argentina Vs Mexico Bookmakers Predictions

Mexico hasn’t beaten Argentina since 2004. That was almost two decades ago and breaking that long streak when the stakes are particularly high seems either less likely or could be only done with out-of-the-realm luck. Argentina nonetheless is the favorite by 4/7 (1.57).

However, streaks are especially vulnerable when they are that long wherefore Mexico is also in the possibility to win though by the odds of 11/2 (6.50). A draw is being priced at 3/1 (4.00).

Argentina’s star forward Lionel Messi is the most repeated name according to stats when it came to choosing the likeliest man to break the game’s deadlock. Next are his teammates Angel di Maria and Lautaro Martinez.

For Mexico, the possibility game says it’s Raul Jimenez followed by Hirving Lozano.