World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia: Lionel Messi scores in 1,000th game
Lionel Messi produced a moment of magic on his 1,000th career game as two-time champions Argentina beat Australia to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
The South American supporters had been on their feet singing all game and they had further delight when Julian Alvarez punished Mat Ryan's mistake to double their advantage. But every time Messi got his left boot on the ball there was a buzz of excitement in the stadium, sharp intakes of breath anticipating something special.
Arms outstretched, Messi ran away to celebrate in front of his adoring faithful after converting his ninth World Cup goal - remarkably his first in a knockout-stage match - to move just one behind Gabriel Batistuta's Argentina record. The ex-Brighton number one had a moment to forget on his 10th World Cup appearance - the joint most for his country - when he took a heavy touch from a back-pass, allowing Manchester City's Alvarez to nip in, spin and score into an open net.
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