FIFA WORLD CUP: MESSI’S GOAL TOTAL AGAINST NETHERLANDS BEFORE THE QUARTERFINAL MATCHUP WITH QATAR IN 2022

On December 9 at the Lusail Stadium, Argentina will play the Netherlands in the second quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup.

The Argentina forward has scored three goals so far in Qatar, and the South Americans will rely on him once again to get over the Dutch challenge.

Messi had previously faced the European team twice, both times in World Cups, prior to this quarterfinal.

During the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Messi faced the Netherlands for the first time. Drawn into Group C, both had already qualified by the third round of games, rendering their match a non-event.

A dull 0-0 tie was the outcome of the game. Messi took the field first but was replaced in the 69th minute.

Eight years later, in Brazil, Messi and the Netherlands played each other again. The stakes were bigger this time. The winner would advance to the final.

So far in the World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi has scored three goals. The first one involved Saudi Arabia, while the second one involved Mexico. In the Round of 16, he then scored against Australia. | Image Source: Getty Images
Messi failed to find the net once more. But with a free kick, he put Jasper Cillessen to the test.

120 minutes of play ended in a 0-0 result, and the game then went to a penalty shootout. La Albiceleste’s first penalty kick was taken and made by Messi. The South American squad prevailed in the shootout 4-2, when Ron Vlaar missed Oranje’s opening attempt.

With the national squad, Messi has scored 94 goals so far. Messi has scored nine goals in 23 games during World Cups.