It was just before midday at Argentina’s Qatar University training base when the team’s preparations stopped. Lionel Scaloni and his players paused for reflection on the second anniversary of Diego Maradona’s death.

Across Doha at the CONMEBOL Tree of Dreams, an area celebrating South American football, former team-mates of Maradona gathered alongside the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, at a ceremony where the Argentine’s greatness was remembered. This was a time of reminiscing about brighter days.

Back at training and focus quickly returned to the task: Saturday, Lusail Stadium, Mexico. Argentina must regroup after Tuesday’s shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia as anything other than a victory over Mexico would leave the South Americans’ hopes of progressing out of Group C hanging by a thread.

As Argentina prepared for their “final” there were mixed emotions. “Today is a very sad day for everyone,” said Scaloni, the Argentina manager. “Tomorrow we hope to bring some joy for Maradona, who will be looking down at us from the sky. That will be the most important thing for us.

“Every time we see images of him it is unbelievable that he is not here with us. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a happy day for all of us.”

Former team-mates of Maradona gathered to remember the Argentine great on the second anniversary of his death (Getty)

Tuesday wasn’t a happy day for La Albiceleste. Leo Messi, playing in his last World Cup, called for his team-mates to back themselves and show what they’re made of in the aftermath of their first defeat in 36 games. The 35-year-old delivered a rousing speech on the team bus.

Scaloni, who confirmed Messi is fit and ready to play despite reports of a possible ankle injury, said that they have put it all behind them. He believes his squad has what it takes to rebound from the humiliating opening defeat.

Emotionally we had to digest [the result] and, when you have one blow, two blows, what you need to do is bounce back and this group is ready to rise and bounce back,” Scaloni added. “We might receive a blow like on the opening match but we know we need to stick to our guns.

“We will always break our backs until the last second we are on the pitch so we can reverse this initial situation. That is non-negotiable. This group will leave everything they’ve got on the pitch to recover from that heavy blow.”

Change in personnel but not system

Scaloni is expected to make changes in defence, with Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez being drafted in. The manager admitted he “can make a change or two in the selection” but their style and system is not in question. Argentina saw three goals struck off for offside against Saudi Arabia but carelessness and possible overconfidence crept into their play — something which must change on Saturday.

It will be like a final for us because it is a match that could define our fate in this World Cup,” striker Lautaro Martinez said. “We need to stay calm, recover and think about what’s coming.”

And what's coming is Mexico. They have a low-scoring, injury-hit squad that bore out the pre-tournament pessimism in their first game, drawing 0-0 against Poland and only avoiding defeat thanks to a stunning save from veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Argentina's group game with Mexico is a 'final' according to Martinez (Getty)

But they do have an Argentinian in the dugout. Gerardo Martino was born in Rosario — Messi’s home city — 180 miles from Buenos Aires, and was a former team-mate of Maradona at Newell’s Old Boys.

Divided loyalties? “If you were in my place what would you do? Mexico has to win, we hope Mexico win,” Martino said. “I can tell you the place, the characteristics of my city, the hospital where I was born, but I work for Mexico and I want to win the game.

“What happens in football I leave it in the context of football. I am aware of the importance of the game for both Mexico and Argentina, but I have to do my utmost so Mexico can win. It’s the only thing I can do.”

Martino briefly coached Messi at Barcelona in the 2013/14 season and is an acquaintance of the family. The Mexico coach is therefore fully aware of the forward’s ability to turn a game. “We have to think Messi will show his best version,” he added. “Sometimes even without being on top of your game for 90 minutes in five minutes everything can happen.”

Argentina know as much and, for the sake of their World Cup, hope it transpires as such.

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