‘All the things potential’ to knock out Argentina

DOHA, Qatar — Mexico supervisor Gerardo “Tata” Martino mentioned he would do “every little thing potential” to knock out his house nation Argentina and star participant Lionel Messi from the World Cup,

Argentine-born coach Martino, who was Messi’s coach at Barcelona in the course of the 2013-14 marketing campaign, was blunt in his evaluation on knocking out his former participant from the match.

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“What would you do in my place? I do know the place I used to be born, I am going to let you know the 12 months, the title of the hospital, the town’s space code,” Martino advised a prematch information convention on Friday. “However I’ve to do every little thing potential for Mexico to win.”

Whereas Mexico are heading into Saturday’s match at Lusail Stadium with a degree after a 0-0 draw with Poland, Argentina might be determined to bounce again after a stunning 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in World Cup opener.

One other loss for Argentina would imply a shocking early exit from the match for the workforce which might be thought of as one of many favourites to win the trophy.

It could additionally imply one other version of the World Cup failure for Messi who has mentioned that he’s taking part in in his final match.

Martino was skeptical that he might do a lot to halt the efforts of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“Stopping him, it occurs extra actually because he is having a foul afternoon than what we are able to do,” Martino mentioned. “One of the best footballer within the final 15 years, no less than.”

Earlier than Mexico face Argentina on Saturday, fellow Group C members Poland and Saudi Arabia will take the sector at Training Metropolis Stadium earlier within the day.

Following the weekend, Mexico will shut out their group stage run in opposition to Saudi Arabia (Nov. 30) at Lusail Stadium, whereas Argentina will face Poland (Nov. 30) at Stadium 974.