Netherlands vs. Lionel Messi, Argentina: Top World Cup Storylines, Odds, Live Stream
Lionel Messi's quest for an elusive World Cup title continues on Friday inside the Lusail Stadium.
Messi and Argentina take on the Netherlands in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on Friday.
Messi scored the first goal in three of Argentina's four games in Qatar, and there is a good chance he finds his way on to the scoresheet again.
The Netherlands arguably had the easiest path to the quarterfinals. The Oranje topped Group A above Ecuador, Senegal and Qatar and beat the United States in the round of 16.
The Dutch are the only team left in the competition that has not played a European foe in Qatar.
Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo and Co. are in great form, but now they have to deal with an Argentina defense that has been difficult to break down over the last three games.
The winner of Friday's quarterfinal will face the winner of Brazil vs. Croatia. That means we could be headed toward a Brazil vs. Argentina World Cup semifinal.
Odds and Match Info
90-Minute Money Line
Netherlands (+255)
Argentina (+125)
Draw (+220)
To Advance to Next Round
Netherlands (+135)
Argentina (-160)
Match Info
Date: Friday, December 9
Start Time: 2 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Live Stream: FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app
Lionel Messi Looking to Further World Cup Legacy
Lionel Messi has been one of the most visible superstars at the World Cup.
The Argentine legend scored a penalty against Saudi Arabia and the opening goal against Mexico in Group C.
He opened up the round-of-16 clash with Australia by taking the ball in a tight space in the box and knocking home a perfect shot into the back of the net.
Messi has the second-most shots on target in Qatar with eight. Only Kylian Mbappé has more.
Messi's personal expected goals total is 2.8, which is also second. Robert Lewandowski is the only player with a better individual number.
The 35-year-old will likely be at the center of many of Argentina's advances into the final third.
The Oranje defense will be focused on Messi, which may mean he will have to pass more to the likes of Julián Álvarez to set up scoring opportunities.
It may take an individual moment of brilliance on a set piece or a carving run through the defense for Messi to put his name on the scoresheet.
He will create some chances, but if the Netherlands can limit his output, the European side has much better odds to advance.
If Messi has his way, he could get closer to winning the Golden Boot, Golden Ball and, most importantly, his first World Cup.
How Will Dutch Break Down Tough Argentina Back Line?
Argentina comes into Friday with the best expected-goals-against total at the World Cup and has allowed four shots on target over 360 minutes.
The Albiceleste allowed one attempt on goal against Australia in the round of 16. The lone tally for the Socceroos in that game was an own goal.
The Netherlands have the unenviable task of breaking down the Argentina back line to match whatever output comes from Messi on the other side of the field.
Eight of the Netherlands' 14 shots on target in Qatar have come from Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo.
Memphis and Gakpo will be at the center of things again on Friday, but neither player could end up as the important one for the Oranje.
Denzel Dumfries had one goal and two assists against the United States. His movement and crossing on the flanks could open up small pockets of space in the Argentina back line.
Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong could be vital in doing the same thing through the middle of the park.
The Netherlands proved they can take advantage of opportunities when they come in small bunches, and they need to be clinical in the same manner against Argentina because the recent play of the South American side suggests chances could be limited for the Oranje.
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