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In the round of 16, which started today (4th), Argentina defeated Australia and advanced to the quarterfinals to face the Netherlands.
Messi took the lead in winning by scoring the third goal of the tournament.
This is reporter Seo Dae-won.
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Messi, who declared that this was the last World Cup and started the so-called 'last dance', led Argentina to the quarterfinals and continued his challenge to win the first World Cup.
Messi scored the opening goal in the 35th minute of the first half against Australia in the quarterfinals without a goal.
Otamendi's pass was connected with a sharp left-footed grounder shot that shook the net.
Messi tied for the top scorer with his third goal of the tournament.
Messi, who scored 8 goals in the World Cup group stage alone and did not score a single goal after the round of 16, increased his World Cup total to 9 goals with his first goal of the tournament.
Argentina scored an extra goal in the 12th minute of the second half thanks to a fatal error by the opposing goalkeeper.
Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan missed a defender's back pass and took the ball away, and Alvarez managed to score a goal.
Argentina allowed a chase through Fernández's own goal in the 32nd minute, but held on to a one-goal lead and won 2-1.
Argentina, which was eliminated in the round of 16 in Russia four years ago, succeeded in advancing to the quarterfinals, taking a step closer to winning the championship for the first time in 36 years.
Argentina's opponent in the quarterfinals has been decided by the 'Orange Legion' Netherlands.
The Netherlands won early in the round of 16 against the United States with goals from Depay and Blindt in the first half.
In the 31st minute of the second half, Wright gave up a goal, but in the 36th minute, Doomfries' goal scored a wedge and won 3-1.
The quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Argentina will be held six days later on Saturday.