Argentina is already doing better than in 2018. The teammates have passed the milestone of the round of 16 of the World Cup by defeating Australia, solid but not very dangerous (2-1).
Messi's 1000th
Lionel Messi played on this occasion of the round of 16 the thousandth match of his career (778 with FC Barcelona, 169 in selection and 53 with PSG).
Only one of his compatriots had already passed this milestone, Javier Zanetti, and in this World Cup-2022, only his best enemy, the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as the Brazilian Daniel Alves are part of this very closed club.
A thousandth appearance that didn't happen in the match of the decade.
The first half is a long observation round between the two teams.
Argentina have possession but Australia impose a huge physical challenge and pressing.
The Albiceleste struggles to be dangerous.
So who else but his master to play to unblock the situation?
It is at the start and at the conclusion of the action.
After a pass from Mac Allister, he finds a relay with Otamendi.
In the area, he rolls up with his left foot and finds the small net of Matthew Ryan (36th, 1-0)
Like what, even at 35, you can still afford firsts and records dating from Maradona.
With this match against Australia, he becomes both the Argentinian with the most goals and the most appearances at the World Cup.
And yet it is the first time that he has scored in a knockout match.
The 789th goal of his career, or 0.789 goals on average.
Stratospheric.
Totally Argentinian atmosphere
In this Ahmed Bin Ali stadium, Lionel Messi is at home.
Evidenced by the thousands of Argentine supporters who sing without stopping his heroes.
Argentinians who seem to give in to a certain sufficiency on returning from the locker room and fail to be punished.
Otamendi makes a very soft back pass for Martinez and Duke almost intercepts the ball (53rd).
Warning received: the Albiceleste resumed very aggressive pressing, Ryan was harassed by De Paul and fell on Alvarez who put Argentina to safety (57th, 2-0).
The Albiceleste then thinks they are off for a quiet ride until the quarter-finals but the "Socceroos" do not give up.
With a volley from nowhere, Goodwin resumed a poor Argentinian clearance at the entrance to the surface.
Countered by Enzo Fernandez, the ball deceives Martinez in front of the Australian kop (77th, 2-1).
And the equalizer is not far away when Behich eliminates the defense but misses his shot (81st).
Enough to make the Argentinians shiver until the end of the clock but, after seven minutes of additional time, Australia will not have found other opportunities to come back into the game, except for a pivot shot by Kulo (90th+5)
The Socceroos' adventure therefore ended in the round of 16 for the first time in their history.
As for Lionel Messi, he is only three games away from the star he covets so much.
What raise it even more to the firmament of the Argentine pantheon.
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>> I have the right, I don't have the right... Guide for the good little supporter in Qatar
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