Unstoppable Lionel Messi was once again the star of the match as he inspired the Albiceleste of Argentina to a 2-1 victory over the Socceroos of Australia in the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup to help Argentina earn a place in the quarterfinals.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored the first goal in the first half before Julian Alvarez doubled the lead in the 57th minute.
With his 9th goal at the World Cup finals, Messi surpassed his nation’s legendary striker Diego Maradona, who had 8 goals in the competition, and reached 1,000 career appearances and 789 goals overall.
Additionally, it was his first-ever World Cup goal in the round of 16.
A stubborn Australian side, however, pulled one back through Enzo Fernandez’s own goal in the 77th minute.
Messi expressed satisfaction with the victory and was happy that they managed to get through to the quarterfinals.
“It was a very physical match, but I am very happy for this victory and for taking another step forward,” he said. “We had a lot of difficulties in the closing stages, but we were able to defend our victory and we got through, which is the most important thing.”
Argentina will now play in the quarterfinals on Friday against the Netherlands, who defeated the United States of America 3-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.
