Aaron Ashley
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Argentina endured a shock 2-1 loss to World Cup Group C longshots Saudi Arabia in its opening game at the 2022 World Cup, making Saturday’s showdown with Mexico (2:00pm ET, FS1, Peacock, Telemundo) a must-win game. Star man Lionel Messi had put La Albiceleste ahead from the penalty spot but the Saudis completed a dramatic turnaround, scoring twice in the first 8 minutes of the second half before defending valiantly.
Argentina should still be hopeful of reaching the round of 16, and will be chasing 3 points against Mexico, which was held to a 0-0 tie by Poland in its first game in Qatar. Prior to losing to Green Falcons, Argentina had been on a 36-game unbeaten run, so this is an intriguing matchup and we have picked out a Same Game Parlay to add to the excitement.
Be sure to check out the rest of our World Cup soccer predictions and remember to gamble responsibly.
But now, here is the parlay we have prepared for this matchup, which pays at +700 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Argentina ML (-190)
Lautaro Martinez anytime goalscorer (+155)
Both teams to score – Yes (+104)
Same Game Parlay odds: +526
Let’s check out the reasoning behind each of our selections:
Argentina ML (-190)
This is almost an elimination game for Argentina after the opening loss to Saudi Arabia, but the favorite should be able to handle the pressure. Before losing to the Saudis, La Albiceleste had gone 35 games unbeaten, winning 11 of the last 13 games before the World Cup. Even in that stunning upset, Argentina had 3 goals ruled out for offside and won the shot count 15-3, so it can be put down as a freak result. With this being Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, Argentina will be desperate to go out on a high and the players will be boosted by the fact that they have won their last 3 games against Mexico.
Mexico was the better team in its 0-0 tie with Poland, although Polish striker Robert Lewandowski had a second-half penalty saved by Guillermo Ochoa. Argentina has far better offensive weapons than Poland and should be able to get its first win in the tournament at the second attempt.
Check out our full Argentina vs Mexico predictions
Lautaro Martinez anytime goalscorer (+155)
Argentina’s talisman Messi is a strong contender to get on the scoresheet, but at bigger odds Lautaro Martinez looks the best bet to find the net. Martinez had 2 goals disallowed against Saudi Arabia, as well as 2 other shots on goal, and looked dangerous throughout the game.
The 25-year-old will be looking to make runs in behind Mexico’s defense and, with 8 goals in 22 games for club and country this season, he could make the difference on Saturday.
Both teams to score – Yes (+104)
For all Argentina’s attacking quality, it must be of some concern that it allowed 2 goals to a team as lowly-ranked as Saudi Arabia, and Mexico’s pace on the counter-attack could get them a goal in the game.
The Mexicans have excellent forwards in Hirving Lozano and Alexis Vega, while Raul Jimenez could play as the focal point of the offense. Mexico has scored in 6 of its last 8 games and can score a goal, even though Argentina should get more.
Make sure you check out the rest of our World Cup predictions
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