Argentina will be looking to bounce back when they face Mexico on Saturday after their World Cup 2022 campaign began with a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.
Lionel Messi dispatched a spot-kick to give his country the half time lead, but Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari both found the net in the second period to guide Saudi Arabia to a historic victory.
Touted as one of the favourites to lift the trophy on December 18, Argentina will attempt to avoid an early exit from the tournament when they face Mexico on Saturday.
While El Tri will be conjuring up plans to negate the world-class ability of Messi, Argentina will be hoping for a number of their other stars to step up to the plate.
Lautaro Martinez had two goals disallowed in the defeat to Saudi Arabia, but after being denied in his first World Cup game, he will now attempt to open his account at the tournament.
© Reuters
The Inter Milan star has been pivotal for his club side, racking up 25 goals in 49 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign, and beginning the current season with eight goals in 21 games.
He also played a crucial role in guiding his country to the World Cup after finishing as Argentina's joint-top scorer in qualifying alongside Messi with seven goals.
Incidentally, his only international hat-trick came against Mexico in the last meeting between the two sides, helping Argentina record a comfortable 4-0 victory in a friendly three years ago.
Although the stakes are higher against Mexico this time around, Martinez will try to make the most of the chances that could be provided by the likes of Angel Di Maria, Papu Gomez and Messi.
With 21 goals from his 41 appearances, Martinez has already demonstrated his credentials as a finisher on the international stage, and he will aim to add a World Cup goal to his tally on Saturday.
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