Messi rejoices in 'beautiful' relationship with fans

Lionel Messi described Argentina's relationship with their fans as "something beautiful" after they beat Australia 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Messi marked his 1,000th senior appearance with the opening goal and Julian Alvarez put them in control by making it 2-0 early in the second half.

Craig Goodwin's deflected shot gave Australia a lifeline, but Argentina held firm in front of their army of fans, who heavily outnumbered Australia's supporters and created an electric atmosphere at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Messi, whose side now face the Netherlands in the last eight on Friday, said: "These are amazing feelings. I'm really happy to share this beautiful moment, these happy moments with them all.

"The effort they are making to be here with us in every single match. I know how much they enjoy it back in Argentina.

"The whole of Argentina would like to be here, but it's not possible. I think there's this bond that we have, this union, which is something beautiful.

"It's unbelievable what they transmit, the passion, their energy, their joy and we're very thankful. It's unbelievable."

Argentina controlled large parts of the match but were grateful for a superb last-ditch tackle from defender Lisandro Martinez to deny Australia's Aziz Behich.

They also owed victory to a crucial save from Emiliano Martinez in the closing moments of added time to keep out an effort from Australia's teenage substitute Garang Kuol.

Messi added: "I'm very happy for taking another step forward, achieving another objective. It was a very difficult match, we knew it was going to be this way.

"We knew it was going to be a very physical match and they were very strong.

"We had a setback with their goal, but that's the World Cup for you. Matches