Culture

Messi scores vs Australia to keep Argentina’s World Cup dream alive

Argentina beat Australia 2-1 in the Round of 16 stage of the FIFA World Cup 2022 to enter the quarterfinals. Australia has been knocked out of the tournament.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in what practically was the first big chance for his team in the entire match. In the second-half, Julian Alvarez scored the second goal for Argentina as struck home following a mistake by Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.

Australia pulled one goal back deep into the second-half through an Enzo Fernadez own goal.

Despite Argentina’s firepower, Australia managed to keep them under a tight leash in the early part of the game. However, Messi breached the Australian defence in the 35th minute with his characteristic brilliance to score the first goal.

Messi moved swiftly from the right wing — a quick exchange of passes landed him inside the box before he unleashed a left-footed curling shot past goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

“I am very happy for taking another step forward, achieving another objective. It was a very strong and difficult match — we knew it was going to be this way,” Messi told ESPN.

ESPN cited Australia boss Graham Arnold as saying:  “He [Messi] is incredible. One of the greatest ever,” “We really worked hard not to be in awe of him, because of the great player he is. But wow, he’s remarkable.”

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

MEA condemns Canada’s “baseless references” against Home Minister Amit Shah

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday strongly protested against recent allegations made by…

1 hour ago

“Verification patrolling has commenced… in Demchok and Depsang”: MEA on disengagement between India and China

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that verification patrolling has commenced in Demchok…

3 hours ago

“Sanctioned companies not in violation of Indian law,” says MEA after US sanctions 19 Indian companies

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday reacted to the recent U.S. sanctions imposed on…

3 hours ago

Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J-K’s Anantnag

Two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag…

5 hours ago

“Not an issue of security lapses, security forces giving befitting reply”: Rajnath Singh on J-K terror attacks

Terming the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as "unfortunate", Union Defence Minister Rajnath…

7 hours ago

Nasirabad: BYC holds demonstrations against enforced disappearances by Pakistan’s forces

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) held demonstrations against the ongoing enforced disappearances by the Pakistan…

9 hours ago