Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Buoyed by a routine 2-0 win over Poland, Argentina will look to give fans yet another reason for celebration when they face Australia in the World Cup last 16. La Albiceleste have been producing fine displays ever since they suffered a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in their opener, and the bookies see them as hot favourites to beat the Socceroos. Despite failing to convert a penalty kick in the triumph over Poland, a man to keep an eye on in Lionel Scaloni’s team will be Leo Messi.
Angel Di Maria is a major doubt after limping off with injury in Wednesday’s clash, but Scaloni has no other selection worries. Meanwhile, Australia set up a meeting with Argentina by beating Denmark in their last group game, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry in Saturday’s showdown. David faces Goliath in Al Rayyan, meaning that anything but a routine home win would be a big surprise. With no fresh injury worries to report, boss Graham Arnold is unlikely to make changes to the team that faced the Danes.
Highlighted Player (Lionel Messi):
Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the best players in the history of football. He was born on 24 June, 1987 in Rosario and he began his football career at Newell’s Old Boys. At age 10 he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, but having realized his potential at a young age, Barcelona decided to pay for his treatment.
Messi joined Barca in 2001 and he has been playing for the Camp Nou outfit ever since. The Argentine magician has won eight La Liga trophies with Barca and he helped the Catalan giants lift no less than four Champions League titles (2005/2006, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2014/2015).
In the 2011/2012 La Liga campaign Messi scored 50 goals for Barca, while netting 14 goals in the 2011/2012 Champions League campaign. The five-time Golden Ball award winner has established himself as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, but he has yet to win a trophy with Argentina national team at major tournaments. Leo Messi, though, has won Olympic Gold Medal (2008) and FIFA World Youth Championship (2005), with la Albiceleste.