Lionel Messi scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match on his 1,000th career appearance as twice champions Argentina beat off a late fightback by Australia to win 2-1 on Saturday and reach the quarter-finals. Messi put Argentina ahead in the 35th minute with Julian Alvarez scoring early in the second half but an Enzo Fernandez own goal allowed Australia to put the Argentines under immense pressure.
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Argentina advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Poland in their final Group C match. Argentina’s victory moved the South American side to the top of the group and they will face Australia in the last-16 while second-placed Poland take on reigning champions France.
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Lionel Messi produced a moment of trademark magic to help keep Argentina’s World Cup hopes alive with victory in a tense encounter against Mexico. In need of a victory to stay in contention Messi put La Albiceleste ahead before Enzo Fernandez put the game to bed with a stunning finish minutes from the final whistle.
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A bold and brilliant Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as they came from behind to stun two-time winners Argentina in a fantastic Group C opener in Lusail. Lionel Messi had given Argentina the lead from a penalty but two quick fire second half goals landed a seismic win for the Saudis.
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Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria shone as Argentina beat Italy at Wembley in the Finalissima – a renewal of the contest between the champions of Europe and South America. Messi set up Lautaro Martinez to open the scoring with Di Maria adding a second before Messi teed up Paulo Dybala for a late third.
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