Late goals from Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero help Argentina draw 2-2 with Mexico
Mexico surrendered a two-goal lead as late goals from Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi secured a draw for Argentina in a friendly at the AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas. New Bayer Leverkusen signing Javier Hernandez gave Mexico the lead in the 19th minute by converting a penalty after Nicolas Otamendi took down Raul Jiminez inside the box.
Argentina dominated possession with Messi in the thick of the action. Ángel Correa was twice denied from an equaliser by some brilliant goalkeeping from Mexico’s goalkeeper Moisés Muñoz.
Tata Martino’s side were on the ascendancy as they searched for gaps in Mexico’s resilient five-man defence. Messi, Marcos Rojo and Ever Banega all failed to capitalise and get a shot on target from promising positions as Argentina appeared to end the first half on a frustrating note.
Mexico take 2-0 lead before being pegged back late in second half
Mexico soon caught the Copa America runners-up on the break as Hernandez was released from the middle after a swift counter attack. But the former Manchester United striker lacked the required composure and ballooned his shot above goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman and the crossbar. As the second half progressed, Carlos Tevez was denied in the 56th minute by Muñoz as Mexico looked to better their lead.
With 20 minutes of the second half remaining, El Tri got their second goal of the game. Left-back Miguel Layún bombarded down the left flank and found Hector Herrera with his cross before the FC Porto midfielder put the ball past Guzman in the back of the net in the 70th minute.
Messi and company had a late resurgence and looked increasingly dangerous in the final ten minutes of the game. Muñoz, who was having a fine game, made an uncharacteristic error that allowed Ezequiel Lavezzi to square it for Aguero, who finished it off and cut Mexico’s lead by half in the 85th minute.
The Manchester City striker soon found Messi, who timed his run to perfection by bursting into the box, with his lofted 25-yard pass four minutes later. The Barcelona forward let the ball bounce off his chest into the air and poked the ball from 7 yards out that went past Muñoz in the near post in the 89th minute, giving the South Americans a deserved equaliser.
With 49 international goals, Messi now needs just seven goals to equal Gabriel Batistuta’s record of 56 goals for Argentina.