FIFA World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi steals the magic that Ochoa, Mexico had in 1st game

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Guillermo Ochoa's World Cup magic didn't work against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

Mexico's goalkeeper, known for big saves in soccer's biggest tournament, h stopped Robert Lewandowski's penalty attempt in El Tri's World Cup opener. But he was helpless against Messi's second-half blast from distance in 64th minute on Saturday night.

Enzo Hernandez ded a second goal in waning minutes to give Argentina a 2-0 victory.

“ difference was because y h Messi,” forward Henry Martin said.

Doha's golden Lusail Stium, which will host World Cup final next month, was filled with more nearly 89,000 people, giving it a feel of a final rar than a group-stage match.

After a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in its opener, Argentina's hopes of vancing in Group C were diminished. Hoping to stave off elimination, onus was on Messi to score after a rar timid first half.

So he did. From outside box, Messi's low, left-footed shot sailed out of Ochoa's reach and into net.

At final whistle, Ochoa and Messi grasped hands, and goalkeeper known by his nickname Memo affectionately patted a gloved hand on his opponent’s he. Ochoa did not speak to reporters after game.

It might be final World Cup for both men, who in Qatar each joined an exclusive club of players who have been to five editions of of tournament.

Like Argentina depends on Messi, El Tri have looked to Ochoa because ir offense is sputtering and y have yet to score in Qatar. y'll not only have to win on Wednesday in final group match against Saudi Arabia, but y'll also need some help.

Ochoa's save of Lewandowski's penalty attempt preserved a scoreless draw for Mexico against Poland, ding to a World Cup mystique that started when he fended off six Brazilian shots — including a dangerous heer from Neymar — in a group-stage draw against hosts in 2014.

n in Russia four years ago, Ochoa h nine saves in Mexico’s 1-0 victory over defending champion Germany in group opener.

Ochoa was first tested by Messi in 33rd minute, when he punched away a free kick from corner. Messi h anor free kick from some 25 yards out in 50th that sailed over wall and well above goal.

Though chances are slim, Mexico is still vying for an eighth straight trip to World Cup’s knockout round. El Tri were looking to vance past round of 16 and play in an elusive “quinto partido” — a fifth game. It’s something that has eluded team since hosting 1986 tournament.

“We did our job and unfortunately we left with defeat,” Martin said. “So it hurts, but tomorrow we have to be thinking about what’s next in next game, because we have one last chance and we have to take vantage of it.”

El Tri has never beaten Argentina in four attempts at World Cup, and Martino’s worst defeat as Mexico coach was at hands of his countrymen in September 2019, when Lautaro Martínez scored a hat trick in a 4-0 win.

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