Lionel Messi scored for Argentina in a game against Austria in their second World Cup group match, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer in the process.
The 38-year-old forward struck with a trademark left-footed curling effort to give Argentina an early lead, marking another milestone in his record-breaking World Cup career.
Messi’s goal came after a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match, as the reigning champions continue their title defence.
He has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, becoming only the third player in history to achieve the feat after France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho in 1958. No player has ever scored in seven successive World Cup matches.
The Inter Miami star is also closing in on another record, needing just one more assist to become the outright all-time leader in World Cup assists since records began in 1966, according to Opta. He currently shares that record with Diego Maradona.
A new generation of players including Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr are also featuring prominently in the tournament, but Messi’s performances have kept him at the centre of attention.
Argentina will face Jordan in their final group-stage match as they continue their campaign to defend the World Cup title.
(The Whistler)