St Mirren’s Keanu Baccus started for Australia as they were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina on Saturday evening.

The midfielder had appeared as a substitute in all three of the Socceroos’ group stage games against France, Tunisia and Denmark before being in from the off against the South American giants.

The 24-year-olds impressive cameo against the Danes in their final group game led to him being handed a start for the knockout clash as he brushed shoulders with Lionel Messi – and even met with the Argentine number 10 post match.

Argentina progressed with a 2-1 victory as Baccus featured for just shy of an hour and he will now travel back to Paisley to meet with his teammates who returned to training last week.

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson told the clubs media team: “Keanu v Messi – brilliant!

“I’m delighted for him. He’s a great kid. His enthusiasm rubs off on everybody.

“I remember a manager saying to me you can’t buy enthusiasm but we’ve bought enthusiasm and quality with Keanu. We’re so proud of him.”