Lionel Messi spearheaded Argentina‘s charge to the World Cup quarterfinals after helping to secure a 2-1 victory against Australia on Saturday.
On his 1,000th career match, Messi scored the opening goal with a sublime effort before Julian Alvarez scored in the second half to set up a quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands and knock Australia out of the tournament, as the Socceroos were unable to build upon their fortuitous late goal.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Despite Argentina’s firepower, Australia managed to limit the early proceedings to be uneventful with neither side exerting any dominance.
But the Socceroos’ defence was breached on 35 minutes as Messi showed his undeniable quality to score his first ever goal in the World Cup knockout stages.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward started the move with a darting run inside from the right wing — a quick exchange of passes landed him inside the box before he unleashed a left-footed curling shot past Mat Ryan.
