Lionel Messi marked his 1,000th professional game with his first goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup, leading Argentina into the quarterfinals with 2-1 win over Australia on Saturday.
With a flourish of his famous left foot in the 34th minute, Messi put Argentina ahead with his third goal at this year's tournament and ninth in total at the World Cup — one more than Diego Maradona.
After Messi's goal, the Argentina footballer’s wife and kids erupted in joyous celebration.
After the game, a TV presenter showed Messi a video of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and children (Thiago, Mateo and Ciro) celebrating his first-half goal. The PSG star gave a priceless reaction.
"Amazing feelings and I am really happy to share these beautiful and happy moments with them all," said Messi. "I know the effort they are making to be here with us and I know how much they enjoyed it. There is a bond we have — it is something beautiful, it is what the national team should be."
The 35-year-old is trying to win the World Cup for the first time in what will surely be his last attempt.
