Messi: 'Diego is watching us' | OneFootball

Argentina's Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi invoked the footballing gods after cooking up an assist, a goal and a successful penalty as the Albiceleste trumped the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after regulation time had finished 2-2.

Argentina are through to the World Cup semi-finals - where they will take on Croatia - after surviving a scare to beat the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties (2-2). Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi was in stellar form once again, providing the assist of the tournament so far for the opener (35') and then slotting home Argentina's second from the spot (73'). Argentina remained in the driver's seat until giant Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst pulled one back (83') and then levelled it up from a deceptive set-piece with the last touch of regulation time (90'+11)! Messi time

Extra-time yielded no change to scoreline and penalties ensued, and Messi made no mistake as he took Argentina's opening spot-kick, setting the tone for the shoot-out win  that takes the all-time great one step closer to battling it out for the only trophy that has eluded him over a storied career. "We are enjoying the moment, as are the people here and in Argentina," he said after the match. "To get into the top four is something spectacular. From the beginning we've been saying that Diego [Maradona] is watching us, he's pushing from above." Final four

Messi is now two World Cup goals clear of Argentine football god Maradona, his strike from the spot taking him level with record holder Gabriel 'Batigol' Batitstuta on ten, Maradona having made it as far as eight - while also lifting football's greatest prize. His chance to go clear atop this particular table comes on Wednesday, when they do battle with tough nuts Croatia in the semi-finals.

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"Impressive how the whole team fought, once again sticking together and digging deep out there on the pitch. We're among the four best in the world, come on !!!!!!"