Lionel Messi had his best World Cup match to date as Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals against the Netherlands next week. This was Messi’s 1000th career appearance.
In what was essentially his team’s first significant opportunity of the game, Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead by scoring the game’s first goal.
Julian Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead in the second half by capitalising on an error made by Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.
Enzo Fernadez’s own goal gave Australia a one-goal advantage late in the second half. Late in the game, there were a few tense moments, but Argentina held on to their 2-1 lead to advance to the quarterfinals.