Lionel Messi led Argentina’s charge in the World Cup quarter-finals by helping them to a 2-1 win against Australia on Saturday.
In his 1,000th career game, Messi scored the opener with a sublime effort before Julian Alvarez scored in the second half to set up a quarter-final tie against the Netherlands and knock Australia out of the tournament as the Socceroos were unable to capitalize on their match. fortuitous late goal.
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“I am very happy to take another step forward, to achieve another goal,” said Messi. “It was a very strong and difficult game, we knew it would be like that.
“We didn’t have much time to rest and we were worried because we knew it was going to be a physical game and they were very strong. Luckily we found the goal and we were one goal ahead, then two goals ahead.
“And then we had a setback with the goal, but that’s the World Cup for you, the games are tough and we got the win.”
Despite Argentina’s firepower, Australia managed to limit the early proceedings, keeping them uneventful with neither side exerting any dominance.
But the Socceroos’ defense was broken on 35 minutes when Messi showed his undeniable quality to score his first goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker started the game with a quick run inside from the right wing – a quick exchange of passes brought him down inside the box before unleashing a left-footed curling shot ahead of Mat Ryan.
Lionel Messi scored the opening goal as Argentina beat Australia on Saturday. Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
“He [Messi] It’s incredible. One of the greatest,” Australia boss Graham Arnold said. “We tried really hard not to be in awe of him, because of what a great player he is.
“But wow, it’s remarkable. I had the privilege of playing against Diego Maradona, and now training against Messi – they’re both wonderful players and Argentina should be so proud and happy to have players of that caliber.”
Cheered on by a rousing support, Argentina tightened their hold on the quarter-finals 12 minutes after half-time when Rodrigo De Paul pounced on a loose touch from Australian goalkeeper Ryan, allowing Alvarez to slot into the net unoccupied, doubling his team’s lead.
A triple substitution for Australia in the 72nd minute meant one last desperate roll of the dice from manager Arnold and they were given a lifeline when an own goal from Enzo Fernandez halved their deficit on 13 minutes of the end
Craig Goodwin picked up a loose ball outside the box and unleashed a ferocious first-time effort, which took a great deflection off Fernandez, fooling goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and hitting the back of the net.
With renewed optimism, Aziz Behich came close to leveling the game three minutes later as he embarked on a fantastic darting run, beating four Argentine defenders before being thwarted by Lisandro Martinez in the box.
Despite their wish, Australia’s comeback failed to materialize and coach Arnold was full of praise for their impressive run in the tournament.
“They’re extremely disappointed – it’s not every day you get to play the third-best nation in the word and play these types of players,” he said.
“I felt we did a good job. I wanted to tell you how proud I am of them and the sacrifices they made during the campaign. Everyone said before we came here that we were the worst Socceroo team ever and to qualify for a World Cup. — but that’s gone — we’ve done exceptionally well.”