Argentina 2-1 Australia: Messi scores in 1000th game alongside Alvarez to seal QF spot

Argentina are through to the quarter finals of the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Australia in their Round of 16 fixture. Goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez helped the South American side dispatch their opponents, and set up a meeting with the Netherlands, who have also made it to the last eight. 

It was yet another relentless attacking display from Lionel Scaloni’s men, who denied the Socceroos a smooth attacking outlet. And a brilliant final save from Emi Martinez denied Garang Kuol the equaliser at the death, eliminating further complication. 

Argentina through to World Cup QF after defeating Australia 

Lionel Messi played the 1000th game of his legendary career last night, and he marked the occasion with a well taken goal. With that, he has become one of the joint-top scorers in the 2022 World Cup with three goals to his name. 

He has surpassed Diego Maradona (8), and is now one goal behind Gabriel Batistuta (10) as Argentina’s highest world cup scorer. 

Alvarez was able to score his second World Cup goal after forcing the opposition goalkeeper into an error, spoofing a clearance. Australia thought they had a late lifeline when Craig Goodwin’s deflected effort found the back of the net. But, it wasn’t enough to stop the Albiceleste from going through.