World Cup 2022: Messi Surpasses Maradona’s World Cup Record After Incredible Goal vs Australia

• Lionel Messi produced a World Cup masterclass to inspire Argentina to a narrow 2-1 win against a resolute Australia
• Messi opened the scoring for the two-time World Cup winners last in the first half, breaking several records in the process, including surpassing Diego Maradona's World Cup goal tally
• Messi moved to nine goals at the football showpiece, passing the late Maradona, who had eight, and is now just one behind legendary striker Gabriel Batistuta who has 10

Lionel Messi's 35th-minute goal against Australia in the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup saw him surpass Diego Maradona's record at the tournament.

Messi produced an impressive performance to inspire the Argentines to a hard-fought win against a determined Australian side.

The game against the Asian giants was Messi's 1000th career appearance, and the well-taken goal was his 789th. It was also the first in the knockout stage of the World Cup.

France's World Cup 2022 squad: Who was left out of the France World Cup squad?

Football

The goal was his third in Qatar, as he had scored twice before against Saudi Arabia and Mexico in the group stages. He was close to scoring in all three group games, but Poland's keeper Wojciech Szczesny saved his penalty.

The game started slowly, with Argentina dominating possession without causing problems for Australia. But it's Messi's magic that opened the scoring last in the first half. The Socceroos came out guns blazing in the second half, but Mat Ryan's mistake saw Argentina double their lead around the hour mark.

Messi breaks Maradona's record

His sublime finish took him one clear of Argentina hero and icon Maradona and just one behind compatriot Gabriel Batistuta, according to the Mirror.

The effort was also his 94th for Argentina, including nine at the World Cup, with his strike against Australia.

Iran's World Cup squad: Find out the full roster of team Iran in Qatar

Football

The late Maradona scored in the 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994 World Cups. His performance at the 1986 World Cup remains one of the best, if not the best. He inspired his country to their second World Cup that year, according to Transfermarkt.

Messi will look to inspire his country to their first win since 1986 and have been tipped as favourites. However, they will have to beat the Netherlands in the quarter-final and possibly Brazil in the semis.

Messi scores stunning goal

Sports Brief earlier reported on Messi scoring a beautiful goal to open the scoring against Australia in the Round of 16.

Messi collected the ball inside Australia's box and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Fans on social media were in awe of Messi's performance, terming it as the best in Qatar. If his teammates were clinical, the 35-year-old would have had several goals and assists.