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Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to play his 1000th professional game as they prepare to take on Australia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup today (December 3).
The achievement will be something remarkable, to say the least. The playmaker has made a massive 778 appearances for his former club Barcelona and 53 more for his current club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
He has made 168 appearances for his country and is set to win his 169th cap for the Albicelestes in their game against Australia.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has so far scored two goals in the 2022 FIFA World cup.
He scored from the penalty spot during his side's 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening game. He then smashed home from outside the box during their much-needed 2-0 win against Mexico. Messi also bagged an assist as he passed to Enzo Fernandez before the Benfica youngster scored with a peach of a curler.
The PSG man also saw a penalty saved during his team's 2-0 win against Poland in their final group game.
La Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni, however, pointed out that the Socceroos will have more time to prepare for the knockout game. Australia's game against Denmark ended four hours before Scaloni's side defeated Poland.
The Argentina manager said (via BBC):
"Australia, who finished second in the group, played at 6pm and we finished first but played at 10 pm. We went to bed at 4 am and that has an impact when you have a game in 48 hours. We will break our backs on this pitch to compete, we know how difficult this World Cup is, this is football."
Australian defender Harry Souttar pointed out the threat possessed by Argentina captain Lionel Messi as FIFA World Cup clash nears
A big part of Australia's job will be to stop Argentina captain Lionel Messi in their Round of 16 clash. Defender Harry Souttar acknowledged the same and pointed out that stopping Messi won't be limited to an individual effort.
He said before the game (via BBC):
"We have to be alert to everything. It won't come down to just one individual to stop him, Messi has been one of the two standout players in the world [along with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo], and it will be a long time until we see their likes again. But, for tomorrow night, for 90 minutes, he's just one of the players we have to face."
