World Cup 2022: Leo Messi Scores Sensational Goal for Argentina in His 1000th Career Appearance

• Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored his maiden goal in the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup on Saturday, December 3
• Messi's goal against Australia takes his overall World Cup tally to nine goals, becoming Argentina's second-highest scorer at the World Cup
• The 35-year-old Argentina genius is eyeing the World Cup trophy, the only major title missing in his glittering trophy cabinet

Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal on the occasion of his 1000th game in what has been an illustrious football career.

After suffering a setback in their opening game against Saudi Arabia, Messi inspired La Albiceleste to the knockout phase, defeating Mexico and Poland by 2-0 respectively.

On the occasion of his milestone appearance, Messi further embellished his status as one of the best, if not the best, ever footballer the sport has witnessed.

World Cup: Lionel Messi matches Cristiano Ronaldo's goal scoring record after strike vs Saudi Arabia

Football

How did Messi score against Australia?

Messi received a pass from inside the box before caressing the ball into the bottom left corner beyond the outstretched hand of Matthew Ryan in post for Australia.

Messi reaches 1000th career appearance

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.

Argentina touted as favourites

51st-ranked Saudi Arabia ends Argentina's 36-game unbeaten run in sensational style

Football

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Argentina had been considered one of the favourites for the World Cup trophy in Qatar. Lionel Scaloni's side came into the tournament against the backdrop of a 35-match unbeaten streak.

However, an opening day loss to Saudi Arabia made the squad have a quick reality check. The team bounced back with identical wins against Poland and Mexico to reignite hopes of a first World Cup trophy since 1986.

Apart from a star-studded squad led by the evergreen Lionel Messi, there are some series of coincidences that show Argentina might just go all the way and lift the trophy on December 18th.