sport news PLAYER RATINGS: Sublime Lionel Messi inspires Argentina past Australia trends now
Lionel Messi marked the 1,000th game of his career in style as Argentina beat Australia 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Argentina skipper put his team ahead in the first half with a typically brilliant effort, as he scored his ninth World Cup goal and his first in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Julian Alvarez added a second 12 minutes after the break as he capitalised on a calamitous mistake from Aussie skipper Mat Ryan, before the Socceroos set up a grandstand finish as Enzo Alvarez deflected Craig Goodwin's effort in his own net.
Lionel Messi was the best player on the pitch as Argentina beat Australia 2-1 on Saturday
Ultimately it was too little too late for Graham Arnold's men, who head out with their heads held high, while Argentina will play the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday in a repeat of their 1998 clash at the same stage.
Here's who starred and who flopped for Argentina and Australia.
ARGENTINA
Emiliano Martinez - 6
Had very little of note to do until the 96th minute, when he produced a superb save to keep out Kuol's effort.
Emiliano Martinez produced an outstanding save to deny Garang Kuol in the 96th minute
Marcus Acuna - 6.5
Kept Leckie in check and occasionally pushed forward to support Argentina's attacks.
Cristian Romero - 7
Commanded Argentina's back four expertly and was never troubled by Australia's forwards.
Nicolas Otamendi - 6
Almost played Duke in with a careless back pass and was sent to a different postcode by Behich's superb run. Relatively solid otherwise.
Nicolas Otamendi (right) was relatively solid at the back for Argentina, bar a major mistake
Nahuel Molina - 6.5
Was afforded acres of space down the right win in the first half, but rarely made the most of it. Near flawless defensively.
Rodrigo De Paul - 6.5
A tireless display. Pressed Ryan into making the mistake that led to Alvarez's goal.
Enzo Fernandez - 6.5
Grew into the game as Argentina took control of the game. Was unlucky to score an own goal as Goodwin's shot deflected off him.
Alexis Mac Allister - 7
A brilliant performance from the Brighton man. Involved in setting up Messi's opener, was a livewire throughout.
Alexis Mac Allister (left) was involved in setting up Messi's goal and was a livewire throughout
Papu Gomez - 5.5
Struggled to have an impact in the first 45 minutes, was hooked early in the second half.
Julian Alvarez - 7.5
Scored Argentina's second, chased and harassed Australia's defenders throughout. A constant thorn in the Socceroos's side.
Lionel Messi - 8
Argentina needed a spark and he
