Argentina 2-1 Australia: Messi marks his 1000th game with a goal and a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup
Lionel Messi marked his 1,000th senior appearance with the opener as Argentina booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals by beating Australia 2-1.
Messi produced the first quality moment to break the deadlock late in the first half and Julian Alvarez pounced on a goalkeeping error to put two-time world champions Argentina in full control at the beginning of the second.
Australia fought back at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and secured an anxious final after Craig Goodwin's deflected shot reduced the deficit.
And it took a superb last-minute tackle from Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez to prevent Australian Aziz Behich from equalizing in the 80th minute.
A Round of 16 clash with the Netherlands on Friday now awaits Argentina, who recovered from a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener for finish top of group C.
Australian supporters significantly outnumbered Argentine supporters as an expected wary opener unfolded.
The Socceroos' well-formed line-up forced Argentina to adopt a patient and cautious approach and it wasn't until the 17th minute that the South Americans threatened for the first time.
Messi chose Alejandro Gomez on the left, but the winger fired his shot high and wide.
There was little mouthful action in the first half hour as Australia looked comfortable in possession and forced the first two corners of the game.
>But Messi injected some much-needed dynamism in the 35th minute, playing a one-two with Nicolas Otamendi at the edge of the penalty area and slotting into the bottom corner.
It was his 789th career goal, his 94th in 169 senior appearances for his country and his first in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
Argentina comfortably held possession early in the second half and Messi slipped as he looked set to score his second of the game.
Australia found themselves on a mountain to climb after conceding an unfortunate goal in the 57th minute.
Goalkeeper Mat Ryan mishandled a back pass and Manchester City striker Alvarez scored his second goal of the tournament.
Argentina were happy to keep possession, but after substitute Nicolas Tagliafico extended their effort, Australia reduced the deficit with a deflected goal out of nowhere.
Goodwin took a chance from outside the box and his shot hit Enzo Fernandez and flew into the bottom corner.
Australia nearly equalized in the 80th minute when Dundee United's Behich slipped past four defenders in the box, but a flying tackle from Manchester United centre-half Martinez blocked the shot.
Argentina almost regained their two-goal lead thanks to Martinez, who fired two shots off target and managed a well-saved third.
But jubilant Argentina fans held their breath in the final added moments when Australian teenager Garang Kuol forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a crucial save.
READ MORE: Johnny Nic's World Cup Media Diary - Part Three: Getting Angry at Talksport and Messi
Lionel Messi marked his 1,000th senior appearance with the opener as Argentina booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals by beating Australia 2-1.
Messi produced the first quality moment to break the deadlock late in the first half and Julian Alvarez pounced on a goalkeeping error to put two-time world champions Argentina in full control at the beginning of the second.
Australia fought back at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and secured an anxious final after Craig Goodwin's deflected shot reduced the deficit.
And it took a superb last-minute tackle from Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez to prevent Australian Aziz Behich from equalizing in the 80th minute.
A Round of 16 clash with the Netherlands on Friday now awaits Argentina, who recovered from a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener for finish top of group C.
Australian supporters significantly outnumbered Argentine supporters as an expected wary opener unfolded.
The Socceroos' well-formed line-up forced Argentina to adopt a patient and cautious approach and it wasn't until the 17th minute that the South Americans threatened for the first time.
Messi chose Alejandro Gomez on the left, but the winger fired his shot high and wide.
There was little mouthful action in the first half hour as Australia looked comfortable in possession and forced the first two corners of the game.
>But Messi injected some much-needed dynamism in the 35th minute, playing a one-two with Nicolas Otamendi at the edge of the penalty area and slotting into the bottom corner.
It was his 789th career goal, his 94th in 169 senior appearances for his country and his first in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
Argentina comfortably held possession early in the second half and Messi slipped as he looked set to score his second of the game.
Australia found themselves on a mountain to climb after conceding an unfortunate goal in the 57th minute.
Goalkeeper Mat Ryan mishandled a back pass and Manchester City striker Alvarez scored his second goal of the tournament.
Argentina were happy to keep possession, but after substitute Nicolas Tagliafico extended their effort, Australia reduced the deficit with a deflected goal out of nowhere.
Goodwin took a chance from outside the box and his shot hit Enzo Fernandez and flew into the bottom corner.
Australia nearly equalized in the 80th minute when Dundee United's Behich slipped past four defenders in the box, but a flying tackle from Manchester United centre-half Martinez blocked the shot.
Argentina almost regained their two-goal lead thanks to Martinez, who fired two shots off target and managed a well-saved third.
But jubilant Argentina fans held their breath in the final added moments when Australian teenager Garang Kuol forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a crucial save.
READ MORE: Johnny Nic's World Cup Media Diary - Part Three: Getting Angry at Talksport and Messi
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