Lionel Messi scored in what was the 1,000th game of his career as Argentina beat Australia 2-1 to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals
Captaining his national team for the 100th time, Messi ignited this last-16 match midway through the first half, curling home cutely after some neat build-up play. In the second half, Julián Álvarez capitalized on some slack goalkeeping by Australia stopper Mat Ryan to score his second goal of the tournament and extend Argentina’s lead.
Just when it looked like Argentina might run away with proceedings, Craig Goodwin’s deflected strike from outside the box nestled in the bottom corner to set up an exciting finale, but Argentina was able to hold out. Aziz Behich looked as if he might snatch an unlikely equalizer but Lisandro Martinez’s last-dtich tackle deflected the Australian defender’s shot following a slaloming run past a succession of Argentina defenders.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup: Lionel Messi leads Argentina past AustraliaIn his 1,000th professional game, Messi scores the opening goal in a 2-1 victory over the pesky Socceroos, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Netherlands
Read more »
Lionel Messi and Argentina face Australia in next step towards World Cup glory | CNNThe World Cup has hardly been straightforward for Lionel Messi and Argentina thus far, but they are strong favorites ahead of their round of 16 game against Australia.
Read more »
Lionel Messi’s first knockout-stage goal helps Argentina top Australia at World CupLionel Messi's first knockout-stage goal helps Argentina top Australia at World Cup
Read more »
Messi fans from Asia cheer on Argentina at World CupWhen the World Cup comes along, many soccer fans in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan root for Argentina or Brazil — soccer powerhouses admired for their attacking style of play and a long line of international stars, including Messi, Maradona and Pele.
Read more »
World Cup TV and streaming schedule on Fox and Telemundo for Dec. 3The nightcap is a big game too, Lionel Messi’s Argentina against Australia’s Cinderella Socceroos.
Read more »
Live updates: Argentina vs Australia and more 2022 World Cup newsTeam USA is out at the 2022 World Cup after a heartbreaking loss to the Netherlands. Now Argentina takes on Australia in the knockout round. Follow live updates.
Read more »