sport news World Cup player ratings: Lionel Messi produces yet another moment of magic trends now
Lionel Messi led Argentina to their first victory at the World Cup as Lionel Scaloni's side bounced back from a shock upset to Saudi Arabia to beat Mexico 2-0.
Messi was almost in tears as he grabbed and shook his jersey in front of Argentina´s celebrating fans, then blew a kiss and looked to the sky after one of the most important goals of his career ignited his team's World Cup chances.
His teammate and substitute Enzo Fernandez also impressed as his clinched his first international goal to double Argentina's lead and wrap up the victory.
But other members of the Argentina side failed to dazzle as Lautaro Martinez and Rodrigo de Paul did not have much impact on the game.
Here, Sportsmail's Isabel Baldwin rates and slates players from both teams after the encounter at the Lusail Stadium.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to their first victory at the World Cup as they beat Mexico 2-0
He had one of the most important goals of his career to ignite his team's World Cup chances
ARGENTINA
Emiliano Martinez - 6.5
The Aston Villa goalkeeper had a relatively quiet evening behind the Argentina defence. Mexico showed great desire and ambition to find the back of the net but lacked the quality in the final third to really challenge him. However, he did impressively save and catch Alexis Vega's free kick at the end of the first half.
Gonazlo Montiel - 6
He was caught offside in Argentina's first dangerous attack and was booked for taking down Luis Chavez before the break.
Nicolas Otamendi - 7
Trusted and experienced Otamendi used the ball to dominate the game in the air. He also successfully blunted any Mexico attacks.
Lisandro Martinez - 7
Called up ahead of a dropped Cristian Romero, the Manchester United man looked nervous at times but still fended off the occasional challenges from Mexico.
Marcos Acuna - 6
The Sevilla left-back produced a good cross for Messi to have his side’s first shot but he struggled to have much impact on the game.
Nicolas Otamendi blunted Mexico's attacks and used the ball to dominate the game in the air
Angel Di Maria - 7
Di Maria created a handful
