Lionel Messi inspired by his kids to finally lift World Cup after booking Argentina’s place in quarter-finals

Lionel Messi says his World Cup heroics for Argentina mean more now as his children are older enough to appreciate seeing him in action.

Messi has scored three times at the tournament in Qatar, with his latest strike coming in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Australia in the last-16.

Starring at a World Cup is nothing new for Messi, who fired Argentina to the final back in 2014, but the 35-year-old has revealed it is extra special now as his children can see him in action.

Messi has three children with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo - Thiago, Mateo and Ciro - with Thiago just two when his dad was impressing at the 2014 World Cup while Mateo and Ciro were not even born.

“From the very beginning, from the first to the final whistle, I’m thinking about them – my children especially as they are growing older,” said Messi.

“They understand it better now, they enjoy it more, the rest of the family was with me in previous World Cups. Thiago was there, but unaware of what a World Cup is, what it is to win or go home in every match.

“They are living it inside, seeing how they suffer and enjoy it – it’s spectacular. We’re excited as we all are here, so it’s exciting to be able to enjoy it with them.”

Messi was the star of the show against Australia on Saturday night, opening the scoring as Argentina secured a 2-1 win.

The forward was the best player on the pitch and countless times he opened up the Socceroos defence by creating chances for others.

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“I am very happy to be taking another step forward, achieving another objective,” said Messi.

“It was a very strong and difficult match – we knew it was going to be this way. We didn’t have much time to rest up and we were concerned as we knew it was going to be a physical match and they were very strong.

“Luckily we found the goal and we were one goal ahead, and then two goals ahead. And then we had a setback with the goal – but that’s the World Cup for you, the matches are difficult. But we got the win.”

Argentina, as they have been all tournament, were backed by huge support against Australia, with around 90 per cent of the Ahmad bin Ali stadium filled by their fans.

“These are amazing feelings – I am happy to share these beautiful and happy moments with them all,” said Messi. “I know the effort they are making to be here with us in every single match and I know how much they enjoy it back in Argentina.

“The whole of Argentina would like to be here, but it’s not possible – we have this bond and union that we have and it is beautiful. That’s what the national team should be.

“We had very little time to rest up, only three days, but we were excited and eager to be together again on the pitch. And it’s unbelievable how they live every single match – how they transmit, passion energy and joy and we’re thankful – it’s unbelievable.”