Argentina players celebrate after qualifying to the semifinals of the World Cup

Argentina players celebrate after qualifying to the semifinals of the World Cup

Argentina players celebrate after qualifying to the semifinals of the World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties in Qatar, Dec. 9, 2022.

Lionel Messi’s quest to win the World Cup moves into the semifinals after Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shootout Friday.

Messi converted his penalty in the shootout and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved two attempts. Lautaro Martinez scored the clinching penalty.

The match finished 2-2 after extra time, with Messi scoring one goal and setting up another. The Netherlands equalized in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time.

Argentina will play Croatia in the semifinals Tuesday.

(Reuters)