Argentina 2-1 Australia LIVE! World Cup 2022 result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Argentina vs Australia LIVE!

Lionel Messi scored on his 1,000th career appearance in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Australia at the World Cup on to surpass his great predecessor Diego Maradona’s tournament total and set up a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.

Seeking a first World Cup at his fifth attempt, the mesmerizing Messi curled the ball low past goalkeeper Mat Ryan from inside the area in the 35th minute to send the legions of Argentine fans into delirium at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Julian Alvarez bagged Argentina’s second from close range in the 57th minute after fatal hesitation from Ryan with the ball at his feet following a backpass.

Australia, who did superbly to reach the last-166 and are ranked 35 places below the double World Cup winners, defended valiantly with the towering Harry Souttar prominent. They set up a nervy end after Craig Goodwin’s shot was deflected into the net off Enzo Fernandez for an own goal in the 77th minute, but could not find an equaliser.

Argentina vs Australia updates

• GOAL! Goodwin gives Australia hope

• GOAL! Alvarez pounces on Ryan error

• GOAL! Messi puts Argentina in front

Argentina 2 - 1 Australia

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22:01 , Matt Verri

A sublime Lionel Messi goal helped Argentina set up a World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands with a 2-1 win over Australia but they came close to suffering another meltdown after Craig Goodwin’s ridiculous consolation for the Socceroos.

Messi’s superb strike ten minutes before half-time and a poacher’s goal from Julian Alvarez following a Mat Ryan blunder were enough in the end for Argentina, and a reminder of why the pair make such a dangerous partnership.

But Goodwin’s wildly-deflected effort made the game far closer than it should have been and it took a huge block from substitute Lisandro Martinez and a fine save from goalkeeper Emi Martinez to deny Australia a shock late leveller.

In the end, a wasteful Argentine performance, illuminated by Messi, was both a reminder of why they are so fancied to win the World Cup, but also why concerns remain about the durability of Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Read Dan Kilpatrick’s full analysis here

Here we go again...

21:37 , Matt Verri

Another Messi vs Ronaldo battle. Standard.

Messi has the edge at World Cups, though Ronaldo will have the chance to at least draw level again when he faces Switzerland on Tuesday.

Martinez really should have sealed it...

21:19 , Matt Verri

Player ratings

21:14 , Matt Verri

Julian Alvarez - 8

Has been one of Argentina’s best players at this tournament so far. Brings so much energy to their forward line and deserved his goal tonight. An opportunistic finish.

Lionel Messi - 9 | Star player

The great man’s 1000th game in football and, of course, he turned up. Was having a quiet game and then burst into life with a well-taken goal in the 35th minute. Created two brilliant chances for Lautaro Martinez, which he should have scored.

Read Simon Collings’ full Argentina ratings here

Messi the star. Again.

21:05 , Matt Verri

Messi pretty much dragged Argentina through that.

They were poor for large periods, struggling to get anything going in attack before he scored the opening goal.

Could have had about four assists in that second-half too, as well as another goal. Sensational performance.

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

20:59 , Matt Verri

A game of the Martinez(s). If Lautaro had taken his chances that’d have been so much more comfortable. If Lisandro and Emi hadn’t made those saves and blocks, we’d be playing extra-time right now.

FT: Argentina 2-1 Australia

20:57 , Matt Verri

Argentina hang on!

Australia can be really proud of that performance, gave Argentina a real game tonight.

Messi the star of the show, he had a few magical moments. Netherlands next up for him and his country in the quarter-finals.

20:56 , Matt Verri

90+7 mins: HUGE SAVE FROM MARTINEZ!

It falls for Kuol at the far post, on the swivel he gets the shot away. Martinez quickly off his line to smother the shot.

20:53 , Matt Verri

90+5 mins: Argentina have just had about seven shots in 20 seconds.

Martinez denied by Ryan once more, falls to Messi on the rebound and he can’t quite sort his feet out. Australia piling everyone forward, so much space for Argentina to attack.

20:52 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: Messi again sets Martinez up brilliantly, this time the forward is denied by Ryan.

More than fair enough, this time Messi decides he’s had enough of passing to Martinez and goes by himself. Curled just wide of the top corner.

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

20:50 , Matt Verri

Martinez just squared up to Souttar. Just the nine inches in height difference. Think there will be closer match-ups at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight.

20:49 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Seven minutes added on!

Australia still have time to send this into an extra 30 minutes.

20:47 , Matt Verri

89 mins: That is awful from Martinez!

Messi drives at the defence, slips the pass perfectly through to Martinez who is completely free, but he blazes it over the bar. Had to score.

Bit of a stunned look on the face of Messi.

20:46 , Matt Verri

87 mins: Argentina just keeping the ball now, that’s all they have to do. Australia struggling to get near them.

De Paul slides it through to Martinez who goes for goal from a tight angle. Dragged comfortably wide.

20:44 , Matt Verri

85 mins: Martinez goes down in the Australia box, nothing given though. That was very optimistic.

Argentina throwing themselves around all over the pitch now, trying to get every decision they can. Would suggest they’re not feeling very confident about things.

20:40 , Matt Verri

81 mins: ALMOST!

It’s an absolutely sensational run from Behich, beats everyone and get into the box. Cuts inside onto his right foot, but Martinez flies in to halt the progress.

Corner is deep, shot comes in from the edge of the box and flies over.

20:38 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Mac Allister and Molina off, Palacios and Montiel on.

Two more changes from Argentina, who somehow find themselves in store for a nervy final 10 minutes.

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

20:37 , Matt Verri

Maybe that is the slice of luck Australia need to get back into this game? Martinez has done nothing all night - and now he’s had to pick the ball out of his net.

GOAL! Argentina 2-1 Australia | Craig Goodwin 77'

20:36 , Matt Verri

WELL THEN!

Goodwin tries his luck from outside the box, going well wide but smacks off the defender and into the far corner.

Game on?

20:34 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Match doesn’t have much pace in it now, feels like both teams have accepted this is pretty much done.

Tagliafico decides to change that, wanting to make an impression off the bench. Drags the shot well wide of the far post, doesn’t catch it at all.

20:31 , Matt Verri

72 mins: Martinez on to replace Alvarez, while Acuna comes off too as Tagliafico is introduced. Those are a decent couple of options off the bench!

Three changes for Australia, now or never for them. Duke, Degenek and Leckie off. Kuol, Maclaren and Karacic come on.

20:29 , Matt Verri

70 mins: Messi doing his usual stroll around the pitch, after that few minutes of excitement, waiting for his next moment to burst into life again.

Australia fans have gone quiet in the stands... no such problems for the Argentina support.

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

20:27 , Matt Verri

The fans are hanging on everything Messi does here. He wins a corner after a mazy dribble and the entire stand behind the goal chant his name and make a bowing motion too.

20:23 , Matt Verri

65 mins: It’s full on party time now.

Messi skipping away from the yellow shirts, into the box but the space just runs out. That would have been an incredible goal.

Australia starting to look a bit ragged.

20:22 , Matt Verri

64 mins: The tricks and flicks are starting to come out from Argentina, Messi just gliding past a couple of defenders.

That second goal has deflated Australia, feel like their race might be run now. All it takes is one goal though and they’ll have hope again...

20:20 , Matt Verri

61 mins: Now Australia have real problems.

Argentina have had another injection of energy, they’re pressing right up the pitch. Mac Allister charges down an attempted clearance, huge roars of approval from the crowd.

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

20:18 , Matt Verri

A nightmare moment for Mat Ryan, but great opportunism by Alvarez. He has been excellent for Argentina in this tournament after not being a guaranteed starter ahead of it.

GOAL! Argentina 2-0 Australia | Julian Alvarez 57’

20:16 , Matt Verri

ARGENTINA DOUBLE THEIR LEAD!

That’s exactly what Australia did not need! Disastrous error from Ryan, what is he doing?

Takes a touch to try and get himself out of trouble, instead gets robbed by Alvarez who finishes into the empty net.

20:15 , Matt Verri

56 mins: Ten minutes gone in the second-half, much like the first period nothing much has happened.

Australia you’d imagine will be happy for it to stay like this for another 15 minutes or so, before they then throw the kitchen sink and anything else they can find at Argentina.

20:12 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Argentina trying their best to make things hard for themselves.

Otamendi this time with a dreadful backpass, Martinez has to fly off his line to boot that out of play as Duke looks to close him down.

Australia striker has twice been close since the break to punishing some slopiness.

Dan Kilpatrick at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium

20:11 , Matt Verri

The introduction of Lisandro Martinez for Papu Gomez has heralded a switch to a back three for Argentina.

Suggests Lionel Scaloni was not entirely happy with what he was seeing from his side, who have created next to nothing aside from Messi’s magic moment.

20:10 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Not what Australia want to see, Messi picking the ball up in a central position 20 yards out.

This time he slips as he pulls the trigger though, bobbles through to Ryan who makes the simplest of saves.

It’s a 3-5-2 for Argentina now, Martinez going into the back three. Messi and Alvarez the two up front.

20:08 , Matt Verri

49 mins: Interesting, Argentina make a change four minutes into the second-half.

It’s not a straight swap either, Lisandro Martinez is on to replace Gomez. We’ll see how they shape up now.

20:06 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Martinez really fortunate there, Duke comes charging in to close him down and does just that. Luckily for Argentina it flies off his boot and away to safety, that could have gone anywhere.

That might wake Argentina up a bit.

Back underway!

20:04 , Matt Verri

We’re up and running for the second-half, no changes for either side.

20:01 , Matt Verri

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

19:58 , Matt Verri

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...

19:54 , Matt Verri

Simon Collings at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium

19:51 , Matt Verri

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

19:48 , Matt Verri

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.

19:46 , Matt Verri

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.

19:43 , Matt Verri

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.

19:41 , Matt Verri

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.

19:39 , Matt Verri

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

19:38 , Matt Verri

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.

GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Australia | Lionel Messi 35'

19:36 , Matt Verri

MESSI PUTS ARGENTINA IN FRONT!

It had to be, his first goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Initial free-kick is cleared, Argentina stay on the attack though and it comes to him just inside the box, guides it into the far corner.

19:35 , Matt Verri

34 mins: Some pressing from Messi! Things must be bad.

He charges after Behich to see the ball out of play, then has a bit of a shove with the left-back. That’s got the crowd going again.

It’s got Behich going too, he’s given away a cheap free-kick. Up comes Otamendi and Romero.

19:33 , Matt Verri

32 mins: Free-kick from deep swung into the Argentina box from Mooy, over everyone though. Even Souttar on a ladder wouldn’t have got that.

More than a third of the way through this match and Argentina have been really sloppy. Nothing of note from them at all.

19:29 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Another corner for Australia, this isn’t really going to plan for Argentina so far.

Souttar wins the header at the back post, nods it into the six-yard box and it’s hacked away. Real scare for Argentina.

Acuna is then fouled as he looks to bring it forward - safe to say he was looking for that.

19:28 , Matt Verri

27 mins: Australia are growing in confidence here, another decent move ends with Behich looking to drive into the box but he’s crowded out.

Mooy then picks out Behich who just about keeps it in play, can’t get any power on the cross though as he stretches.

19:25 , Matt Verri

25 mins: Decent delivery from the corner from Mooy, Otamendi there to head it out though.

It comes back in from Mooy, over everyone and out of play for a goal-kick. Australia have to make more of the set-piece opportunities they get.

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

19:24 , Matt Verri

Australia will be very happy with this opening 20 minutes or so. Argentina haven’t really created anything and the Socceroos look comfortable.

19:24 , Matt Verri

23 mins: Decent spell of Australian possession, their first of the match. Mooy crucial to that in midfield.

No real interest from Argentina in pressing, so the defenders have plenty of time on the ball. Worked forward, Leckie looks to cross it in and wins his side a corner.

19:21 , Matt Verri

20 mins: Well... nothing has really happened.

Argentina with pretty much all of the ball, but yet to do anything with it. One shot and that was Gomez blasting over.

All pretty easy for the Australian defence so far, everything quite slow in front of them.

19:18 , Matt Verri

17 mins: First involvement from Gomez, cuts inside off the left wing and tries his luck from distance. Miles over the bar, Ryan can watch that sail high into the stands.

Australia’s gameplan working really well so far.

19:16 , Matt Verri

15 mins: Irvine into the book, first yellow card of the night. Catches Acuna late and the referee is quick to show the card.

Should Australia make it through to the quarter-finals, Irvine will be suspended.

Dan Kilpatrick at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

19:15 , Matt Verri

From our lofty position in the press box at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, it’s easy to appreciate Australia’s well-drilled banks of four.

The Socceroos look likely to be a tough nut to crack for Argentina, who are switching between short passes and direct balls to try to pull their opponents apart.

19:13 , Matt Verri

12 mins: Alvarez threatens to drive straight through the middle of the Australian defence, door is slammed shut just in time though.

He’s looked the brighest for Argentina so far. Gomez not involved really, and Messi yet to really get going.

19:11 , Matt Verri

10 mins: Alvarez with a great run in behind, can’t find the touch to match it.

Lovely ball over the top from Otamendi, the Man City forward unable to take it in his stride though and it skips behind for a goal-kick.

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

19:09 , Matt Verri

Not the most fluid start from Argentina, who have had the odd stray pass. Messi is trying to get things going and dropping deep to get on the ball.

19:08 , Matt Verri

7 mins: Baccus catches Messi a little late, Australia very keen to prevent him having time on the ball as you’d expect.

Decent enough start from Australia, kept Argentina quiet in the opening minutes.

19:05 , Matt Verri

4 mins: Strong appeals for a penalty from the Argentina players, they think there’s been a handball in the box. So, unsurprisingly, do the thousands in the crowd as the boos start.

Argentina got a soft penalty against Poland, won’t be getting another one here. This is probably more of a penalty than that one, definitely struck an arm.

Australians outnumbered...

19:04 , Matt Verri

19:03 , Matt Verri

2 mins: No surprise to see Australia settling into their shape, looks to be something close enought to a 4-4-2 out of possession.

Bit more pressing there, but De Paul is up to the task as he wriggles his way out of trouble.

KICK-OFF!

19:01 , Matt Verri

We’re up and running - Netherlands waiting for the winner.

19:00 , Matt Verri

Australian anthem is very strong, fans doing their best to be heard.

Graham Arnold looks emotional as he looks to the sky while singing - what a run it’s already been from his side.

Players are out!

18:55 , Matt Verri

Teams walk out onto the pitch, wall of noise and it’s not the Australian fans making it.

Time for the anthems!

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

18:51 , Matt Verri

This is basically an Argentina home game to be honest. On the walk to stadium, the street was packed with Argentina fans and it is no different inside the ground. It’s a wall of blue and white.

Not long now...

18:47 , Matt Verri

Kick-off coming up in less than 15 minutes now.

A quarter-final tie against the Netherlands is the reward for the winner tonight. Argentina favourites to go through, it goes without saying, but Australia have made a habit of defying the odds.

Simon Collings at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

18:40 , Matt Verri

Atmosphere building in Australia!

18:35 , Matt Verri

It’s coming up to 6am in Melbourne - safe to say the country is awake!

Wild celebrations after they beat Denmark to reach the last-16, but those would be mild compared to what might happen if Australia manage to beat Argentina here.

Quick turnaround for both

18:29 , Matt Verri

Neither camp particularly impressed with the scheduling for this match, coming three days after their final group-stage match.

“How can the Fifa organisation [do this] at such a high-prestige tournament,” Rene Meulensteen, Australia’s assistant coach, said.

“The four-day turnovers were already short and after the group stages they go even shorter. If you want high-quality performance in a World Cup you think could they have managed it slightly differently.

“It’s also the same for the other team, I have to say that. But we’ve got almost no time to let it all sink in. It’s recovery, recovery and getting their brains ready again for that challenge.”

Australia back in the last-16

18:22 , Matt Verri

Australia first made it to the last-16 at a World Cup in 2006, when they were edged out 1-0 by eventual champions Italy.

Since then it’s been three consecutive group-stage exits, with just two wins across those tournaments.

They’ve already had two in Qatar to seal their return to the knockout stages - can they now go further than any Australian side before?

Messi to get first knockout goal?

18:17 , Matt Verri

Messi has a ridiculous amount of records to his name, he’s done pretty much everything there is to do.

But he hasn’t won the World Cup, nor as he ever scored in the knockout stages of the tournament.

He can tick one of those things off tonight, and take another step towards the other one.

Pre-match entertainment

18:12 , Matt Verri

We had Chesney Hawkes the other day at half-time, something a bit different in Qatar this evening.

It’s... I don’t really know what it is. We’ll stick with “Westfield on steroids”.

Going out on a high...

18:05 , Matt Verri

Landmark for Messi

17:58 , Matt Verri

Messi makes his 1000th career appearance tonight - sure he was fairly confident he was starting.

Gomez comes in to replace Di Maria in wide areas, while Alvarez keeps his place up front as Martinez misses out. Once again it’s Romero and Otamendi at centre-back.

Australia team news

17:49 , Matt Verri

Australia XI: Ryan, Degenek, Rowles, Souttar, Behich, Baccus, Mooy, Irvine, Leckie, Duke, McGree.

Argentina team news

17:45 , Matt Verri

Argentina XI: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Gomez, Messi, Alvarez

Scaloni: All matches are difficult

17:35 , Matt Verri

After that opening defeat to Saudi Arabia, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is taking nothing for granted despite his side being huge favourites tonight.

“They’re all difficult, we saw that with Saudi Arabia,” Scaloni said after the win over Poland.

“If you think Australia will be easy you’re wrong because they have shown that getting through against tough teams in this World Cup.

He added: “We’re not favourites. If you think that just because we won today, we are going to become World Cup winners, you’re wrong.”

Alarms set across Australia!

17:27 , Matt Verri

There were some very special celebrations in the middle of the night when Australia booked their place in the last-16.

Slightly better kick-off time here for those Down Under, with the match getting underway at 6am on Sunday morning in Melbourne.

Long day of celebrations ahead if they pull off an almighty shock!

Netherlands next up

17:19 , Matt Verri

The Netherlands are the first side through to the quarter-finals, beating USA 3-1. Denzel Dumfries scored and set up the other two in a pretty decent display from wing-back, it’s fair to say.

The winner of this evening’s match will face the Dutch in the quarter-finals - Louis van Gaal’s side look to be warming up nicely in the tournament.

No prizes for guessing who they would rather win tonight...

Latest match odds

17:09 , Marc Mayo

Argentina to win: 2/11

Draw: 32/5

Australia to win: 17/1

Head-to-head record

17:04 , Marc Mayo

Not since 1988 have Australia beaten the Argentina.

Argentina wins: 5

Draws: 1

Australia wins: 1

Evening Standard score prediction

16:59 , Marc Mayo

While Australia have been pretty resolute defensively since their loss to France, Messi and company will surely have too much. Even if the Socceroos drop deep, Argentina have the tools to hurt them from range.

Argentina to win 2-0.

16:53 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Australia XI: Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Leckie, Mooy, Irvine, Goodwin; McGree, Duke.

Early Australia team news

16:48 , Marc Mayo

Nathaniel Atkinson is still hoping to be fit, but Milos Degenek impressed against Denmark so should keep his place.

16:42 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Montiel, Otamendi, Li.Martinez, Acuna; De Paul, Rodgriguez, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, La.Martinez.

Early Argentina team news

16:37 , Marc Mayo

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has complained about the tight turnaround in games, though did get a chance to rest some players against Poland.

Lautaro Martinez could come back in for Julian Alvarez, while Enzo Fernandez is also pushing for a start.

How to watch

16:30 , Marc Mayo

TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised free-to-air and live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 6.20pm GMT ahead of a 7pm kick off.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website or app.

Hello and welcome!

16:24 , Marc Mayo

Argentina and Australia face off tonight for a place in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.

It is not inconceivable that the Socceroos can pull off a huge upset, given how many we have seen in Qatar already during the tournament.

The stakes are higher for the Albiceleste than they have been for some time as Lionel Messi has called this World Cup his final shot at finally lifting the trophy.

With kick-off at 7pm GMT from Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, follow Standard Sport’s live blog for all the build-up, match action and reaction!