World Cup 2022: Wholesome Video Shows Leo Messi Leading Argentina Players to Cheer With Fans Emerges

• Lionel Messi put up a man-of-the-match performance to punch Argentina's ticket into the quarterfinals
• The 35-year-old's goal against Australia was his first-ever in the knockout phase of the Mundial
• Messi's Argentina will square off with the Netherlands, who are unbeaten in the tournament, for a place in the semifinals

A Lionel Messi-inspired performance pushed Argentina to the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup on Saturday, December 3.

Messi notched a sublime goal on the occasion of his 1000th career appearance before Man City striker Julian Alvarez doubled the lead for La Albiceleste against Australia rendering Enzo Fernandez's own goal a mere consolation.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward did not only perform his task within 90 minutes to perfection but also led his teammates to cheer with the teeming Argentina fans at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

In a video shared on social media, seen by Sports Brief, the 35-year-old led his teammates as they chanted along with the fans.

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What's next for Messi's Argentina?

The win ensures Argentina books a date with the Netherlands on Friday, December 9, a rematch of the 2014 World Cup semifinal which went in favour of the South Americans via penalty shootouts.

Social media explodes with Messi praise

Football fans across the globe rushed to the micro-blogging App, Twitter, to lavish praise on Lionel Messi following his latest milestone.

Lionel Messi brought his inability to score in the knockout phase of the World Cup to a crashing halt on the grand occasion of his 1000th career appearance.

The 35-year-old Paris Saint-Germain superstar broke the deadlock in Argentina's last 16 clash with Australia on Saturday.

Messi's Argentina backed to win World Cup

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.

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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. \