ANALYSIS | Messi shoulders the load to lift Argentina into quarterfinals

In the 35th minute, however, Messi received a glimpse of goal after a slick move from a free-kick and made no mistake, firing a laser-guided shot through the legs of Australia's Harry Souttar and into the far corner of the net.

“It's a privilege to play with Messi,” said right-back Nahuel Molina. “With him on the pitch we know we just need to be patient because he is the ace up our sleeve.”

Argentina's second goal came gift-wrapped when Julian Alvarez pounced on a mistake by Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan. Apart from one Lautaro Martinez effort blasted well over the bar, there were precious few other chances.

Messi, however, has long become accustomed to carrying a huge load for his country and three goals in four games in Qatar shows he might be approaching the kind of dazzling form that might take Argentina deep into the tournament.

The target is to finally add the World Cup to his already glittering collection of trophies and it would take a brave man to bet against him doing it.

Reuters

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