Doha, December 03 (QNA) - Argentina beat Australia 2-1 in the Round of 16 of the football World Cup in Qatar, setting up a quarter-final showdown against the Netherlands.

Lionel Messi, playing in his 1000th game, opened the scoring in the 35th minute, one of few highlights of a lethargic first half at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Saturday.

It was Messi’s ninth World Cup career goal, one more than late Argentina legend Diego Maradona’s record.

A second goal for Argentina followed just before the hour mark, courtesy of Julian Alvarez, after a notable lapse by Australia’s defense.

Australia scored a 77th-minute consolation goal when Craig Goodwins shot deflected into the net off Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez. (QNA)