Lionel Messi was his inspirational self as he lead Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Australia in their 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash on Saturday.
A fairly even encounter was brought alive when Lionel Messi scored with a curling effort to give Argentina the lead just after the half-hour mark.
Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez added a second, the striker benefitting from a goalkeeping gaffe by Australian goalkepeer Ryan to pass into the post.
Australia pulled one back via a Fernandez own goal and could have levelled scores late-on but Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez in goal for the South Americans denied their efforts as the encounter finished 2-1 in favor of Argentina.
A place in the Quarter Final secured, Argentina will face Netherlands in the last-8.
The Dutch were 3-1 victors of the United States of America in the first Round of 16 clash at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Against the unbeaten Netherlands side, Lionel Messi and Argentina will have to be at their very best to secure a last-4 ticket.
