World Cup: Middlesbrough FC midfielder Riley McGree's defiant message to Lionel Messi and Argentina

The Aussies booked their berth in the knock-out stages for just the second occasion - and first time in 16 years - following a fine 1-0 victory over Denmark, with Graham Arnold's side finishing ahead of the Danes and Tunisia in Group D.

McGree was in the Australia team that beat Argentina at last year's Olympics, but the Boro midfielder says that events in midweek represented a greater achievement.

The Adelaide-born player, who has been an ever-present for the Socceroos and set up Mathew Leckie's winning goal on the hour against Denmark, said: “Yeah for sure, it definitely tops it (the win over Argentina).

"It’s one of the proudest moments in my career. Hopefully, we can go one more.

"It was surreal (when the final whistle went against Denmark) I was speechless. I was soaking it in, it was a real goosebumps moment. We couldn't be prouder of each other.”

Argentina rallied from a shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia to secure qualification from Group D, flexing their muscles in particular in an impressive victory over Poland in their final Group C game.

But McGree insists that Australia - who lost out to Argentina in a 1993 play-off - will not be cowed.

McGree added: “Bring it on."We are prepared. We will go out there with the exact same belief in ourselves and see what happens.”