Australia stars queue to get photos with Messi despite defeat at World Cup

The footballing icon was instrumental in Argentina's World Cup win against Australia, so much so that some of those from Down Under just couldn't seem to get enough of him afterwards.

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After the full-time whistle, members of the Australia squad seized the opportunity to grab a picture with the South American superstar.

In a video on Twitter, winger Marco Tilio and left-back Joel King made their way to where the media were positioned inside the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium as they awaited the arrival of Messi.

King was the first to grab a photo op with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, with Tilio then jumping at the chance soon after.

Hearts midfielder Cameron Devlin in particular will be more than chuffed as he was able to swap shirts with the legend.

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Keanu Baccus was also able to get his picture in, before Messi left to re-join his fellow Argentine stars after their crucial victory in Qatar.

For the Australians, it was certainly an opportunity they couldn't miss despite the loss, with Graham Arnold's side now preparing to make their way home following their elimination from the tournament.

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Messi's finish was his first ever goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup and third overall for this year's competition, with Julian Alvarez netting the second in their 2-1 win.

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The 35-year-old was also playing in the 1000th game of his career, with his quality certainly showing no signs of stopping.

He was the worthy recipient of the Man of the Match award too, his second honour at this year's World Cup.

Argentina will now face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals next week and if Messi is able to continue his form, then they will certainly be on the right track to reaching the final.

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