World Cup 2022 Argentina vs Mexico Tips and Predictions

Argentina will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s disappointment with a potentially tricky looking assignment against Mexico at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on November 26th.

Argentina’s eye-catching 35-match unbeaten streak was ended by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as the pre-tournament second favourites were victim of a significant upset. Although their performance was languid and they struggled to play to Lionel Messi’s strengths, they will still go off as odds-on favourites for this game and will be expected to bounce back.

Mexico began their Group C campaign with a fairly forgettable goalless draw with Poland. El Tri flung in 24 crosses throughout the contest, yet they still couldn’t find a way through. They dominated possession, however, until the introduction of Raul Jimenez, they looked fairly clueless in the opposition box.

Despite their slip up on Tuesday, 10Bet still make Argentina the overwhelming favourites at 20/33. Mexico couldn’t score against Poland and are priced up at 11/2 to inflict another defeat upon Argentina.

• These two teams faced one another at the 2010 World Cup with goals from Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain handing Argentina a 3-1 victory. Since that day, they have played out four friendlies with Argentina coming out on top in three of those meetings.
• Argentina – Prior to Tuesday’s defeat, Argentina has been excellent defensively and kept several clean sheets during qualifying. Nevertheless, they are unlikely to face too much of a threat from Mexico, based on the evidence of their 0-0 draw with Poland.
• Mexico – El Tri netted just four times across their last six qualifiers and their goal-scoring issues continued on Tuesday as they drew yet another blank against Poland. Raul Jimenez got some much-needed minutes under his belt with the Wolves striker having barely featured in the PL so far this season due to injury.

Argentina’s opening performance was hugely forgettable, but they should be able to put that display firmly behind them. Messi wasn’t able to dominate throughout, however, he still looked sharp and there is always a chance that this XI could click at any point. Mexico failed to impress in their opener despite having lots of possession. They shouldn’t overly trouble the opposition.

ARGENTINA TO WIN

As we’ve previously mentioned, we expect Argentina to win and they should be able to do it with a clean sheet too. Saudi Arabia scored a wonderful goal and if Mexico continue to fire in aimless crosses, they aren’t likely to get much joy here.

ARGENTINA TO WIN TO NIL

Lionel Messi dominates the headlines and he also tends to dominate the anytime goal-scorer market. Fellow striker Lautaro Martinez had a goal disallowed and will be determined to get off the mark for this tournament. 

LAUTARO MARTINEZ – ANYTIME GOALSCORER

Argentina 

Lionel Scaloni will be keen to make one or two tweaks and ensuring that his midfield is able to exert control and create chances will be key. He has enough depth and talent to mix things up for this second Group C encounter. 

Key Player/s: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez 

Team news: Lionel Scaloni will be expected to react to his side’s defeat on Tuesday and the majority of his changes may come in midfield. Julian Alverez may be asked to play a bigger role alongside Marcos Acuna. Many fans have called for Lisandro Martinez to start the game ahead of either Cristian Romero or Nicolas Otamendi. 

Predicted Lineup: Emi Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo de Paul, Julian Alvarez, Leandro Paredes, Angel Di Maria, Angel Correa, Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi.

Mexico

Henry Martin has been excellent in Liga MX, however, he struggled to lead the line and barely made an impact against Poland. Expect him to be replaced by Raul Jimenez for this one. 

Key Player/s: Hirving Lozano, Raul Jimenez

Team news: Raul Jimenez is likely to replace the disappointing Henry Martin. Carlos Rodriguez and Uriel Antuna will be hoping that they made a decent impression off the bench and will be hoping to start this contest. 

Predicted Lineup: Guillermo Ochoa, Cesar Montez, Jesus Gallardo, Jorge Sanchez, Hector Moreno, Luis Chavez, Hector Herrera, Edson Alvarez, Alexis Vega, Hirving Lozano, Raul Jimenez. 

Unfortunately, Mexico are lacking firepower and they don’t look to have the tools to hurt Argentina. La Albiceleste will be a wounded animal coming into this contest and they’ll be desperate to make amends. This might be their perfect chance to put Tuesday’s misery firmly behind them.

Bet on Argentina to Win