Lionel Messi can continue his dream of winning the World Cup if he can help guide Argentina through a banana skin last-16 tie with Australia in Al Rayyan tonight. With 2022 the icon’s final shot at the tournament, the Socceroos can deny Messi with what would arguably be not even the biggest upset Qatar has seen this winter.
Both teams are in action after only two days off since they each came through thrilling final group games to reach this stage. Argentina stick with Julian Alvarez up front alongside Lionel Messi, while Papu Gomez comes in to replace Angel Di Maria. The winner of tonight’s clash faces Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
Australia have never made it to the last eight with this only their second World Cup knockout tie. Follow all the action from Argentina vs Australia LIVE with Standard Sport’s match blog, featuring analysis from Dan Kilpatrick and Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
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Argentina have lost two of the 32 World Cup matches they have led at half-time, according to Gary Lineker.
One of those came earlier this tournament, against Saudi Arabia, so there’s still hope for Australia.
At some point they will have to really go for it if it stays like this – that will really suit Argentina.
Dan Kilpatrick at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium
Argentina halfway to a World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands. It’s been a largely sterile affair, aside from one minute of brilliance from Messi.
The difference at half-time…
Simon Collings at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium
This game was, and is, lacking quality – but Messi broke the deadlock with a moment of magic. Lovely touch and finish to find the net.
Other than that, Argentina not looked threatening and Australia been comfortable.
HT: Argentina 1-0 Australia
Not a particularly great match, Argentina nowhere near their best in the opening 45 minutes.
Doesn’t matter when you have Messi – one moment from him and they lead.
45 mins: Two minutes added on at the end of the first-half.
Argentina have had an injection of urgency since that goal, Alvarez buzzing around pressing the defenders now.
42 mins: Messi rolling around on the floor, crunched by Souttar. Was a good tackle, to be fair to the Australian.
After a brief pause in play, Messi is back up on his feet. Not looking too thrilled with life though.
40 mins: The noise has been turned up to maximum since that goal, Argentina fans in full on party mode.
Those supporters have been better than the players so far this tournament, incredible from them every time Argentina have played.
38 mins: Degenek into the book, catches Acuna in the air as they challenge for the ball. He’d also miss the quarter-final through suspension.
That looks a long way away now for Australia, after that moment of inspiration from Messi.
Simon Collings at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium
A classic Messi finish on this his 1000th game. The noise is so loud in here you can barely hear the PA announcer saying Messi is the goalscorer.
