The second match of the round of 16, in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, was played between Argentina and Australia.

Argentina, the current Copa America champions and two-time World Cup champions, was heavily favoured to win the match, specially with Lionel Messi in very good form.

Lionel Messi was levelled with Diego Maradona on the number of goals for Argentina in the World Cup with eight goals apiece. He scored a brilliant goal in the match against Australia to go beyond Maradona.

Lionel Messi scored his first goal for Argentina in the knock-out stages of a World Cup and his ninth World Cup goal to guide Argentina to victory and set up a quarterfinal clash with the Netherlands.

Australia, which had qualified for the World Cup by defeating Peru, has played in every edition of the World Cup since 2006. Having defeated Denmark and Tunisia during the group stages, Australia was looking to make their first World Cup quarter-finals.

Australia’s strategy and implementation was spot on in the first half, apart from a Lionel Messi magical moment in the 35th minute, when Messi lost his marker and scored Argentina’s first goal.

In the 35th minute, Messi took a free kick from near the corner post. His delivery was headed away but not far.

Otamendi made a short pass to Messi near the penalty box. In a moment of magic, Messi managed to lose his marker and squeezed in a low left footed shot into the net beyond a diving keeper Ryan in full stretch.

The three defenders between Messi and the goal mouth could do nothing to prevent the goal.

Messi’s goal was the only shot on target for either side in the first half.

A master and his apprentice ✨#ARG | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/xJXzxJNX7a

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 3, 2022

Australia played with a deep line and look for counter attack on the break.
In the second half, Australia played a much higher line and a high pressing game; but were not able to break into the Argentine defence.
Australian Keeper Ryan made a costly mistake in the 57th minute when the defender played the ball to him. With a charging De Paul approaching, Ryan tried to dribble past him instead of clearing the ball. While doing so, the ball got stolen by Alvares, who turned and sent the ball into the net.

Julian Alvarez punishes a HUGE mistake from Mat Ryan 😱 pic.twitter.com/t6CwmHsHv4

— GOAL (@goal) December 3, 2022

Australia pulled one goal back when Goodwin made a powerful shot which was deflected by Argentine defender E Fernandez into the net in the 76th minute.

Australian fullback Behich almost equalised when he drove into the Argentine penalty area dribbling past four defenders on the way before releasing a powerful shot. However, his shot was blocked by the outstretched leg of Otamendi.

Messi set up two beautiful chances for Martinez in the 88th minute and extra time. However, Lautaro Martinez was found wanting as on both instances, he shot high and wide.

In the final minute of extra time, Australia nearly found the equalizer when Garang Kuol made a good run towards the right post and released a good shot on gaol. However, Argentine keeper Martinez was up to the task as the shot hit his out-stretched arms.

Argentine had a major reprieve right at the end.

Lionel Messi continues his excellent form and scored his third goal of the tournament.