WATCH: Australian players lineup for selfie with Argentina’s Lionel Messi after elimination from 2022 FIFA World Cup
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi led from the start as Albicelestes advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Australia 2-1 in the round of 16 on Sunday. After Messi’s opening goal for Argentina in the 35th minute, Julian Alvarez added another to make the score 2-0 in favour of Argentina.
Australia supporters cheered loudly as Enzo Fernandez scored an own goal in the 77th minute to the displeasure of the Argentina fans. Australia made a heroic effort to score, but ultimately Argentina prevailed. It was just Australia’s second appearance in World Cup knockout stage which made it even a bigger occasion for the Socceroos.
Football commentators frequently claim that when it comes to fan base, Messi surpasses players of all nations and identities. On Sunday, it was fairly clear when opposition Australia players waited to meet with the football icon. Australia players can be seen taking turns posing for pictures with Messi in a video that has gone viral on social media.
In a post match interview, the Argentina striker expressed his thoughts over the team’s performance: “The truth is that yes, we got complicated with the 2-1, because it was a game that was under control and we could have even finished it off. They scored a goal off a rebound and then it’s normal, they start throwing balls in the last minutes. We felt the sensation in the last minutes that they were coming but well, we got through and that’s what is important.”
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Lionel Messi scored his first knockout stage goal in World Cup finals against Australia
Messi scored his ninth goal in FIFA World Cup competition, moving him into second place among all-time goal scorers for Argentina in the tournament. It was the 1000th game of his career, and he cemented his place in history. In addition, he exorcised the monkey off his back by scoring in the World Cup’s knockout round for the first time.
Netherlands defeated USMNT 3-1 quite comfortably that means they now face Messi-led Albicelestes which now looks like a mouth-watering tie. The quarterfinal matchup between Argentina and Netherlands will now take place on Saturday, December 10.
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Sujeeth Shetty
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