According to star captain Lionel Messi, the Argentinian footballers took another step toward achieving their goals in the Qatar tournament with a 2-1 win over Australia in the last 16 of the World Cup. The author of the first goal described the match, which was the 1000th anniversary of his professional career, as very physically demanding. He felt the South American favorite was tired after a busy schedule.
“We are very happy to have taken another step towards our goal of the world championships. The most important thing is to go through,” said Messi in a television interview, who put the favorites ahead in Rajján in the 35th minute with his first goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup and third in this year’s championship. It was his 789th career hit.
Shortly after changing teams, Julián Álvarez added to the lead, but in the 77th minute Enzo Fernández dramatized the last 16 with an own goal. Both teams didn’t convert big chances in the end. “In the end we made things difficult for ourselves when we conceded. We had to suffer, Dibu (keeper Emiliano Martínez) kept us at the end with an important save” said Messi.
“It was a very physically demanding game, which is what we expected. We just played (in the group with Poland) and didn’t have enough time to rest. We were tired,” added the thirty-five-year-old Paris St. striker. Germaine.
In Friday’s quarter-finals, Argentina will face the Netherlands, who beat the US 3:1 in the last 16. “The Netherlands are playing well, they have great players and a great coach. It will be a big fight. If the World Cup was difficult from the start, it is even more difficult at this stage.” said Messi.
He appreciated the huge support from the Argentinian fans at the stadium. “I am happy to be able to share this beautiful moment with the fans. I know that all of Argentina wants to be here. We have a beautiful bond between us.” said the seven-time Golden Ball winner. “Even my three sons already understand what the World Cup means. I’m very happy to see how they experience it all and rejoice.” Messi added.
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