MEXICO FAST SHOW BID TO DUMP MESSI

FROM JEREMY CROSS

HIRVING LOZANO says Mexico plan a quick start in their effort to heap more misery on Argentina and destroy Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream.

The sides collide in a seismic clash in Doha’s Lusail Stadium in their second Group C match. Mexico have beaten Argentina just once in 18 attempts, but know a rare win would dump one of the pre-tournament favourites out of the competition – and wreck Messi’s last chance of ultimate glory. Napoli winger Lozano is relishing the chance to face one of the all-time greats.

All the pressure is on Argentina following their shock opening defeat and Lozano (below) said: “I love to play against the best players and this is a major occasion.

“Being on the pitch playing against Messi will be beautiful. “The Argentina defeat to Saudi Arabia was a surprise.

“This can be a motivation and we will try to be fast out of the blocks.

“We have exceptional qualities and have prepared well.

“We are facing a big opponent, but we always have hope, so it depends on us.

“They are huge opponents with big players in major leagues – and the greatest player in the world. “We have to have that mindset to match them.

“This is a huge opportunity for us, but we have to be patient. We need to be clever.”