Messi takes part in training as Argentina prepare for World Cup clash with Australia

South Americans are finding form at the right time ahead of the knockout stages in Qatar

Lionel Messi dribbles the ball during an Argentina training session at Qatar University in Doha on December 2, 2022, on the eve of the Qatar 2022 World Cup match against Australia. AFP

Rodrigo De Paul kicks a ball next to Lionel Messi, Alejandro Gomez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes and Paulo Dybala during a training session at Qatar University. AFP

Lionel Messi during a training session at Qatar University in Doha. AFP

Lionel Messi uses an exercise ball during an Argentina training session. Getty

Lionel Messi with an exercise ball during an Argentina training session. Getty

Lionel Messi takes part in an Argentina training session in Doha. Getty

Lionel Messi during an Argentina training session. Getty

Lionel Messi, Alejandro Gomez and Rodrigo De Paul attend a training session at Qatar University. AFP

Lionel Messi takes part in an Argentina training session in Doha. EPA

Lionel Messi attends an Argentina training session ahead of the last 16 match against Australia. EPA

Lionel Messi heads the ball during an Argentina training session. EPA

Lionel Messi warms up during a training session in Doha. EPA

Lionel Messi on the ball next to Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni during a training session at Qatar University. AFP

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates during a training session in Doha. Reuters

Argentina continue their bid for a long-awaited third World Cup when they take on Australia in the Round of 16 on Saturday night.

More than 36 years since their last triumph, Argentina arrived in Qatar on a 36-match unbeaten run and as one of the pre-tournament favourites - a status that looked thoroughly undeserved following the shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Since then, though, the South Americans have improved with each game, overcoming a jittery first half against Mexico to win 2-0, before turning on the style with a dominant victory over Poland.

Crucially for Argentina, star man and captain Lionel Messi looks to be getting better every game. His second half performance against Mexico - where he scored the first goal - was followed by an excellent display against Poland, even if he did have a penalty saved.

Argentina's uptick in form does not bode well for Australia, although this World Cup has delivered plenty of shocks and surprises, so anything could be possible at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday night.

Ahead of the game, Messi and his Argentina teammates took part in a final training session at Qatar University in Doha to prepare for the Socceroos.

Check out the best photos from that training session in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or swipe if using a mobile device.