Argentina holds its breath.
And above all, no longer has the right to make mistakes.
Swept away by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday in Lusail (1-2), for what represents the biggest surprise of the World Cup to date, Lionel Messi's partners now have only one idea in mind, this Saturday (8 p.m., TF1 and beIN Sports).
Find colors by dominating Mexico, author of a draw against Poland (0-0), and continue to believe in the wildest dreams.
A new setback, on the same lawn of the Lusail stadium, the largest enclosure of this World Cup, which will host the final on December 18, would be bad for one of the big favorites for the coronation in Doha.
The tension is at its peak and it was enough to attend the pre-match press conference on Friday in the Qatari city to have confirmation.
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In a crowded auditorium with the presence of Argentinian and Mexican journalists, but also from all over the world, and without any free seats - for comparison, Hugo Lloris and Didier Deschamps had not filled up a few hours before at the same place -, the press briefing from striker Lautaro Martinez and coach Lionel Scaloni gave the temperature of a match that promises to be electric.
Asked about the national disaster that would be a new failure of a twice victorious selection of the World Cup (1978-1986), the Inter Milan striker released the rhetoric of war.
“We have to be ready to win the battle against Mexico.
There is no more thinking, you have to win and nothing else.
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By losing their opening match, a first since 1990 and the loss of that time against Cameroon, despite Messi's opener and three goals disallowed for offside, Argentina has complicated the task in the large widths.
In the country, a new failure after that of 2018 - elimination in the round of 16 against France - would be experienced as an earthquake.
And would end in the worst possible way the dynasty of Lionel Messi (35), who dreams of a planetary title to exist a little more in the collective unconscious of an entire people who continue, despite the seven Ballons d'Or and the titles in shambles of the Parisian, to compare it to Diego Maradona, titled in 1986 in Mexico.
Perfect shot
Lionel Scaloni, coach since 2018 and the sidelining of Jorge Sampaoli, knows he is facing an immense challenge.
His position could not withstand a cataclysm in Qatar.
So he wants to rally his troops against Mexicans trained by a certain… Gerardo “Tata” Martino, born in Rosario as the “Pulga” and former boss of Albiceleste between 2014 and 2016. The frame-up par excellence.
“Our group is ready to react, we must give all our heart, our soul to this match, it is not negotiable
, he harangues, in the face of XXL pressure.
Argentina is different from other world selections, by its history, its fans, you have to be up to this challenge
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On the Doha side, as against Saudi Arabia last Tuesday, Lionel Messi's band can count on thousands of supporters, ready to give voice.
In 2010, Spain, beaten by Switzerland entering the World Cup (1-0) had swept away everything in its path to glean the planetary title.
All of Argentina dreams of it.
