Messi, Argentina beat Netherlands on penalties at World Cup

LUSAIL, Qatar — Lionel Messi and his teammates hung around on the field for 20 minutes, taking turns dancing and jumping up and down in front of their celebrating, scarf-waving fans.

Argentina was going to savor reaching the World Cup semifinals. Messi's quest to win soccer's ultimate prize is still alive.

Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shootout Friday, with Messi converting his attempt and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making two saves.

After Lautaro Martinez scored the clinching penalty, Messi — with his arms outstretched — sprinted to jump into the arms of his goalkeeper.

"We had to suffer," Messi said. "But we got through." The match finished 2-2 and was only taken to extra time after the Netherlands equalized in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time with the second of substitute Wout Weghorst's two goals.