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Lionel Messi helps Argentina into World Cup quarterfinal, knocking Australia out

Lionel Messi spearheaded Argentina's charge to the World Cup quarterfinals by helping to secure a 2-1 victory against Australia on Saturday.

In his 1,000th career match, Messi scored the opening goal with a sublime effort before Julian Alvarez scored in the second half to set up a quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands and knock Australia out of the tournament, as the Socceroos were unable to build upon their fortuitous late goal.

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Despite Argentina's firepower, Australia managed to limit the early proceedings, keeping them uneventful with neither side exerting any dominance.