The Argentina national team reached the semi-finals of the 2022 Qatar World Cup by defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout 4-3, after the match ended in a 2-2 draw during regulation and extra time. The game took place on Friday evening at Lusail Stadium as part of the quarter-finals.
Argentina initially took a 2-0 lead, with Nahuel Molina scoring the first goal (in the 35th minute) assisted by Messi, who then scored the second goal from a penalty kick in the 73rd minute. However, the Netherlands responded fiercely, reducing the margin through Wout Weghorst (83rd minute) and equalizing with the same player during stoppage time (90+11), leading to extra time.
In this match, Messi equaled Gabriel Batistuta's record as Argentina’s all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals. Only five players from South America have managed to score 10 goals in the World Cup: Peru's Teófilo Cubillas, Messi, and Batistuta with 10 goals each, Brazil's Pelé with 12 goals, and Ronaldo Fenômeno with 15 goals.
The match recorded the second highest attendance in the current edition, following the Argentina vs. Mexico game, with 88,235 spectators present. Argentina will meet Croatia in the semi-finals on Tuesday at 9 PM, following Croatia’s advancement after defeating Brazil in a penalty shootout, which also came after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.
