Argentina Out Played Australia To Qualify For Quarter-Finals 

Lionel Messi scored on his 1,000th career game in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Australia at the World Cup on Saturday to surpass his great predecessor Diego Maradona’s tournament total and set up a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.

While hunting for their first World Cup trophy at his fifth attempt, the mesmerising Messi Curled the ball low past goalkeeper Mat Ryan from inside the area in the 35th minute to send the legions of Argentine fans into delirium at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Julian Alvarez scored Argentina’s second from a close range in the 57th minute after fatal hesitation from Ryan with the ball at his feet following a back pass.

Australia, who gallantly reach the last 16 and are ranked 35 places below the double World Cup winners, defended valiantly with the towering Harry Souttar prominent.

They set up a nervy end after Craig Goodwin’s shot was deflected into the net off Enzo Fernandez for an own goal in the 77th minute.

The 35-year-old Messi’s goal was his third in the Qatar tournament and his ninth at World Cups, one more than Maradona.

Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma