Messi and Argentina train for World Cup quarter-final showdown with Netherlands

Last-eight matches get under way with a blockbuster clash between two giants at Lusail Stadium

Angel Correa and Lionel Messi take part in an Argentina training session at Qatar University in Doha on December 8, 2022, on the eve of their 2022 World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands. AFP

Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria take part in an Argentina training session at Qatar University. AFP

Lionel Messi attends a training session of the Argentina national team at Qatar University. EPA

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates attend a training session at Qatar University. EPA

Lionel Messi and his teammates attend an Argentina training session. EPA

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul take part in a training session at Qatar University. AFP

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

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

Lionel Messi and his teammates take part in a training session at Qatar University in Doha. AFP

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

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi during a training session at Qatar University. AFP

Lionel Messi during a training session at Qatar University. PA

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 08: Lionel Messi of Argentina is s during a training session on match day -1 at Qatar University on December 08, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone / Getty Images)

Lionel Messi during a training session at Qatar University. Getty

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul during a training session at Qatar University. Getty

Lionel Messi during training at Qatar University. Reuters

Lionel Scaloni, left, oversees training next to Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. AP

Argentina's Lionel Messi during a training session at Qatar University. PA

Cristian Romero, Lionel Scaloni, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria take part in a training session. AFP

Lionel Messi with teammates during training. Reuters

Lionel Messi continues his bid for the only major trophy missing from his career on Friday evening when Argentina face the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.

Argentina were billed as one of the tournament favourites ahead of arriving in Qatar, and after an early setback with the shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia, the Copa America champions have started to look like contenders.

Messi has been a key reason behind Argentina's turnaround, scoring the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Mexico before a dominant display in the subsequent Group C victory against Poland.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar, who is expected to begin talks over a new contract with the club after the World Cup, maintained his form with his third goal of the tournament in the 2-1 win over Australia in the last 16.

As Messi himself said, Argentina are preparing for an "even tougher" match against the Netherlands on Friday when two giants of world football go head-to-head at the Lusail Stadium.

Ahead of the match, Messi and his Argentina teammates put the final touches on their preparations with a training session at Qatar University on Thursday evening.

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