World Cup 2022: How Argentina Could Line Up in Must Win Clash Against Mexico

• Argentina play Mexico on Saturday in one of their biggest World Cup matches in recent memory
• Argentina suffered a historic 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia and must beat Mexico to have any chance of progression
• Lionel Scaloni is expected to tinker with his squad and is set to bring in fresh blood against tricky Mexico side

Argentina's 2022 World Cup tournament began terribly as they suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history

On Saturday, they face a tricky Mexico side. Anything other than victory would be a disaster, especially for Lionel Messi, who suggested this will be his last World Cup tournament.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was criticised for his game decisions and his line-up against the Saudis.

Cristian Romero, for instance, was poor and was partly at fault for Saudi Arabia's first goal. Generally, the South American side lacked cohesion, and Scaloni failed to react to Saudi's high line.

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Herve Renard instructed his team to employ an aggressive high line against Argentina, but they were almost punished several times.

Saudi high line congested the space of Argentina's creative players, putting them in uncomfortable positions.

Possible Argentina line-up vs Mexico

Fans expect several changes to the line-up against Mexico. Scaloni is expected to make one possible change: starting Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez over Romero, according to Sportsmole.

Martinez's incredible passing ability would allow Argentina's midfielders to play higher up the pitch.

Nicolas Tagliafico was poor against Saudi Arabia and should drop to the bench for Acuna. Manchester City's Julian Alvarez did okay when he came on, and his movement should see him start in place of Alejandro Gomez on the left wing.

Possible line-up (4-2-3-1): Emi Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez

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Mexico are coached by former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino, who will provide a tough test for his country with Mexico.

Only Argentina (1990), West Germany (1982), Spain (2010), and Italy (1994) have reached the final of the World Cup after losing their opening match, according to 90min.

Messi fitness update

Sports Brief earlier reported on Scaloni providing a fitness update on Messi, who has been troubled by ankle issues.

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."