Lionel Messi said Argentina had taken "one more step" toward their goal of World Cup glory by overcoming Australia in a dramatic round of 16 clash here on Saturday.

Messi sent Argentina on course for victory with a first-half strike, and Julian Alvarez doubled the lead before Craig Goodwin's shot deflected in off Enzo Fernandez, ensuring a dramatic conclusion at Ahmad bin Ali stadium, Xinhua news agency reported.