Cristiano Ronaldo's team lacked inspiration and have much to do to shake off a dismal run of World Cup form since reaching the semi-finals in 2006

The forward had already been impressive in France's 4-1 victory against Australia but Saturday's display probably cemented his place in the starting lineup

Argentines have often found it harder to love Messi than Maradona given his departure to Spain as a boy, his more introverted demeanour and, of course, his lack of a World Cup

Mexico's high press blunted the Argentina attack in the first half before Messi's sublime 64th minute strike eased the pressure on his side

A flag which showed Kosovo as part of Serbia was allegedly hung in the dressing room when they faced Brazil at the World Cup

The pressure was always on for the Barcelona forward after failing to score in Poland's three matches in the 2018 World Cup

The World Cup favourites trained behind closed doors at the Al Arabi Stadium ahead of their Group G second game against Switzerland

Sublime strikes by Messi and Fernandez earn Argentina a 2-0 win over feisty Mexico in a pulsating atmosphere at the Lusail Stadium