Argentina counting on Messi to save World Cup bid. Argentina will try to save their World Cup skins when Lionel Messi and his teammates play Mexico in a game they cannot afford to lose on Saturday in Qatar.
Argentina, who arrived in Doha on a 36-match unbeaten streak and as one of the overall favorites, is in jeopardy after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.
The Argentines claimed they will be inspired by memories of their 1986 World Cup-winning captain, Diego Maradona, who died two years ago this week.
The Argentines know they cannot afford a repeat of their opening match in Group C. Argentina counting on Messi to save World Cup bid.
The unexpected Saudis will have a chance to prove they are no fluke when they face Poland and Robert Lewandowski, the prolific striker who is still hunting for his first World Cup goal.
In the scoreless draw with Mexico, the Barcelona forward missed a penalty.
In other games on Saturday, defending champions France could advance to the round of 16 if they defeat Denmark at Stadium 974, which was designed with shipping containers in mind.
The French suffered an injury to defender Lucas Hernandez in their opening 4-1 win against Australia, adding to a list of absentees that included Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, who limped out of the World Cup before a ball was kicked.
Australia face another rough ride against a robust Tunisian side.
Brazil’s team camp announced that superstar forward Neymar would miss the side’s next game against Switzerland after he suffered ankle ligament damage in their opening 2-0 win against Serbia.
Neymar might be sidelined for Brazil’s final group game against Cameroon as well, according to a report from Brazil’s Globo Esporte.
