LUSAIL, Qatar — Lionel Messi's World Cup hopes are still alive, but Tuesday's quarterfinal win over the Netherlands didn't come easily and it didn't come quickly — nor did Messi do it alone.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made two saves in a five-round penalty-kick shootout to lift Argentina past the Netherlands following a game that ended in a 2-2 draw. Messi had a goal and an assist, then got Argentina started in the shootout by converting on his attempt.
Gonzalo Montiel and Leandro Paredes also scored, but midfielder Enzo Fernández missed wide left before Lautaro Martinez sealed the win, making his shot. It was the second time in three World Cups that Argentina has eliminated the Netherlands in the final eight on penalty kicks, the first coming in the 2014 semifinals.
