Lionel Messi: Argentina Boss Lionel Scaloni Provides Fitness Update of His Star Ahead Massive Mexico Clash

• Lionel Scaloni has provided an important update on Lionel Messi ahead of a massive clash with Mexico
• Messi has had an ankle issue which was threatening to disrupt his campaign in Qatar
• Argentina suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to minnows Saudi Arabia in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has provided positive news on his star Lionel Messi ahead of a crucial encounter with Mexico.

The Argentines suffered a historic defeat to Saudi Arabia in one of the greatest World Cup upsets in recent memory, and anything other than a win over Mexico would be disastrous.

Argentina went into the tournament as pre-tournament favourites and started the game well versus Saudi Arabia, going ahead courtesy of Messi's penalty. Several of their goals were disallowed for offside.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia's approach to the game suggested they did not come to Qatar to make the numbers, according to AP.

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Herve Renard's high line disrupted Argentina's build-up game, ensuring the likes of Messi and Agel di maria had less space to impact the game.

The Saudis scored two quickfire goals early in the second half to go 2-1 up, and they defended that lead to secure the win.

Messi's fitness update

According to Sportsmole, the PSG superstar has been dealing with a persistent ankle problem that was threatening to derail his campaign in Qatar. Scaloni has said he should be fit enough to help his country keep their tournament alive.

"Messi is fine. More than ever we need everyone. Surely everything will go well, physically and morally, he is fine."

Scaloni added that he will not change his approach after the Saudi Arabia defeat.

"The team's way of playing is going to be similar. We are not going to change our way of playing because of what happened on Tuesday. We have to turn the page and think about how we are going to beat Mexico."

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Defeat against Mexico would probably end Argentina's campaign, which would be an anticlimax of the favourites tournament.

Argentina goal wrongly ruled out

Sports Brief earlier reported on new evidence that shows that Lautaro Martinez's goal for Argentina should have stood.

The Video Assistant Referee made a mistake in ruling out Lautaro Martinez's chipped effort against Saudi Arabia.

Argentina were victims of Saudi Arabia's highline but new photos have shown that Martinez was indeed played onside by a fullback.