Messi reacts to Lisandro Martinez's tackle vs Australia

Speaking after Argentina's 2-1 win over Australia, Messi said: “I think we controlled the match.

"We could have killed it off with another goal. Apart from the last chance that Emi & Lisandro Martínez prevented, we didn’t suffer too much".

Messi put Argentina ahead with his third goal at this year's tournament and ninth in total at the World Cup.

Julian Alvarez netted the second goal as Argentina set up a meeting with the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

Australia scored a 77th-minute consolation goal when Craig Goodwin’s shot deflected into the net off Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Martinez, who was introduced in the second half, produced an incredible block in the closing stages to avert extra time.