World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi Set to Make 1000th Career Appearance Against Australia

• Lionel Messi is set to make his 1000th career appearance as Argentina takes on Australia in the World Cup Round of 16 matches on Saturday, December 3rd
• Messi made his club debut in October 2004 when he came on as a 17-year-old substitute for Barcelona against Espanyol
• The 35-year-old is bidding to win his first World Cup title in Qatar in what he has said might be his last appearance at football’s biggest tournament

Lionel Messi is set to hit another landmark when he files out with Argentina in their World Cup round of 16 clash against Australia on Saturday, December 3rd.

Messi is set to make his 1000th career appearance against the Socceroo as Argentina bids to secure a quarterfinal berth against the Australians at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The Argentine icon began his professional career as a 17-year-old for Barcelona and made his debut for the Catalan giants against Espanyol in October 2004.

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Messi has since gone on to make 778 appearances for Barcelona, 168 appearances for Argentina, and 53 appearances for French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The 35-year-old has also won 7 Ballon d'Or titles and as well as the Golden Ball in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, in 2014.

Messi in make or mar game against Australia

Meanwhile, Argentina’s round of 16 clash against Australia is crucial for Lionel Messi as he tries to keep his hope of winning the World Cup alive before he hangs his boot on international football.

Messi who lost the 2014 World Cup final with Argentina, will again try to win the elusive world title in Qatar in what he has claimed will be his last World Cup tournament, Vanguard reports.

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Argentina, with Lionel Messi at the helm, was shocked by Saudi Arabia in the opening match before La Albiceleste won back-to-back games against Mexico and Poland to finish first in Group C.

Messi claims Maradona will be happy

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Lionel Messi believes Argentina's legend; Diego Maradona will be "super happy" with him on the back of inspiring his side to the knockout phase of the 2022 World Cup.

In the process of guiding La Albiceleste to the last 16, Messi became the most-capped Argentina player in World Cup history, surpassing Diego Maradona in the process.

Messi was tied on 21 games at the Mundial with Maradona, however, the 35-year-old went a step further in Argentina's final group game against Poland.