World Cup 2022 highlights: Messi, Argentina defeat Australia, 2-1
The 2022 FIFA World Cup continued Saturday on FOX with Argentina defeating Australia 2-1 at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, in the tournament's second match of the round of 16.
Argentina will face the Netherlands, which defeated the United States on Saturday, in the quarterfinals on Dec. 9 (11 a.m. ET, FOX).
Here are the top plays!
35': Messi nets first knockout-stage goal
Lionel Messi drove home a shot from the center of the box off an assist from Nicolás Otamendi to give Argentina the first goal of the match — and Messi the first knockout-stage goal of his World Cup career.
Lionel Messi puts Argentina on the board in the 35'
57': Argentina takes advantage of Australia error
Julián Álvarez found the back of the net after taking the ball from Australian keeper Mathew Ryan to give Argentina a 2-0 lead early in the second half.
Argentina's Julian Alvarez scores goal vs. Australia in 57'
64': Showing off his skills
Messi showed off his footwork and craftiness with a great run down the field.
77': Socceroos cut lead in half!
Craig Goodwin found the back of the net with a shot from outside the box to cut Argentina's lead to 2-1.
Australia's Craig Goodwin scores goal vs. Argentina in 77'
81': So close!
Ajdin Hrustic nearly delivered the equalizer for Australia, but the shot went just high.
89'" Just a bit outside
Lautaro Martínez missed a chance in front of the net to extend Argentina's lead, as things stayed 2-1.
90'+3': Messi almost has second
Messi was this close to getting his second goal in the late stages of the match against Australia.
90' + 7': Almost an equalizer!
Garang Kuol nearly tied the game in stoppage time but came up just short, and things ended there, 2-1.
Read more from the World Cup:
- Even after painful knockout, U.S. players take moment to appreciate World Cup journey
- World Cup Daily: USA's journey ends, while Messi's magic continues
- U.S. has no answer for Dutch leading man Denzel Dumfries
- ‘It’s a somber mood now': U.S. reflects on opportunity squandered vs. Netherlands
- USA ousted from World Cup as Netherlands rolls, 3-1
- Three takeaways as U.S. can't seize moment in World Cup loss
- Best of the World Cup so far: Top goal, save, player, team and more
- World Cup Now: How can USA fix its striker problem for 2026?
- Social media reacts to USA loss to Netherlands: U.S. fans let it all out
- Quick guide to surviving penalty-kick shootouts at World Cup
- World Cup 2022 Bracket Challenge: Popular picks Germany, Belgium eliminated
- World Cup 2022 odds: Lines for remaining teams to win in Qatar
- Stu Holden's top 50 players at the World Cup
Check out the full schedule for the World Cup and how to watch each match live here.
