Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina seal knockout berth
TLE DESK: Lionel Messi strengthened his claim as football’s greatest player by becoming the outright leading scorer in World Cup history as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to secure a place in the knockout stage.
The Argentina captain struck twice on Monday to take his World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16. The goals came just days after Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria had drawn him level with Klose.
Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute after latching onto a clever pass and calmly finishing beyond Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. He then added a second deep into stoppage time, firing home after his initial effort had been blocked.
The 39-year-old’s latest masterclass came after an early setback when he missed a penalty in the ninth minute, sending his effort narrowly wide of the post.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said after the match.
The victory ensured Argentina progressed to the last 32 with two wins from two matches in Group J, having also beaten Algeria 3-0 in their opening game, when Messi scored all three goals.
Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining an elite group that includes France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil legend Jairzinho.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni struggled to find words to describe his captain’s achievement.
“I have no more words to talk about Leo,” Scaloni said.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick acknowledged Messi’s enduring brilliance.
“We knew he is on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed us today that he is one of the best, if not the best,” Rangnick said.
The record-breaking goal was celebrated by more than 70,000 spectators at AT&T Stadium, where Argentina supporters dominated the atmosphere.
Messi’s remarkable tournament continues despite concerns over his father Jorge Messi, who is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. The Argentina star had previously revealed he had experienced difficult days away from football before becoming emotional after scoring against Algeria.
With five goals already in this World Cup, Messi has once again underlined his importance to Argentina’s hopes of retaining the trophy.
