Lionel Messi broke the World Cup scoring document as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Dallas to safe their place within the knockout levels.
Messi had early missed a penalty after VAR intervened to award a spot-kick for a foul on Lautaro Martinez however the 38-year-old Argentina captain couldn’t be denied for lengthy, scoring with a trademark end from Facundo Medina’s low cross within the first half.
Messi’s first aim introduced up 17 within the World Cup – transferring away from Miroslav Klose as the highest scorer within the event’s historical past. He added a second in stoppage-time to take his tally to 5 in simply two Group J fixtures after his hat-trick in opposition to Algeria.
Austria, who beat Jordan of their opening match, had been combative if missing slightly high quality within the ultimate third, and can nonetheless fancy their possibilities of progressing. However it’s the holders who high Group J and look set to high the desk in defence of the trophy.
The important thing moments from Dallas…
9 – PENALTY MISS! Messi places his penalty extensive of the submit
20 – Messi is thru however delays the shot and the possibility is gone
23 – Sabitzer’s effort is blocked by Romero as Austria threaten
31 – Messi’s shot is blocked by Danso after a flick to Martinez
38 – GOAL! Medina’s cross finds Messi to dispatch low into the online
57 – Romero suffers a knee harm and is changed by Otamendi
90+6: GOAL! Messi forces the ball in on the second try
Evaluation: Messi present goes on
4 of Messi’s 18 World Cup objectives have been penalties however possibly it was extra applicable that the record-breaking effort got here because it did. A late run into the field picked out by a wise pull-back and dispatching low into the close to nook. Classic Messi.
He’s a special participant now. However no much less exceptional. Actually, shorn of tempo and about to show 39, it’s much more inconceivable that he’s in a position to do what he does. He has turn out to be the primary man in over half a century to attain in six consecutive World Cup matches.
A lot is fabricated from how this staff is constructed to serve him. However the tactic is working. The coverage is proving much less profitable for Portugal, whereas maybe Spain may look to Lamine Yamal greater than they’re doing. Argentina have discovered the candy spot.
Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina progressed with a sport to spare in Group J
This was not even Messi’s finest efficiency of this World Cup however he may nonetheless have scored 5. And this was a check. A uncommon look for him of late in opposition to European opposition – with Ralf Rangnick’s Austria taking part in a bodily, urgent sport as effectively.
It was awkward for Messi and Argentina at occasions. The area that he had been afforded in opposition to Algeria was absent. Typically there have been 5 Austria gamers round him as quickly as he obtained the ball. However that meant there was area elsewhere. He discovered it.
A primary-time go right here, a wriggle free there. It opened the pitch for the penalty received and missed, and the primary aim that he scored. Take a look at handed by Argentina. Historical past made by Messi. Eighteen objectives now however what number of extra nonetheless to come back earlier than the curtain comes down?
A spot within the knockout stage has already been booked, though it could be a shock if Messi just isn’t given the possibility so as to add to his complete in opposition to Jordan. What do you get the person who has the whole lot? Possibly the Golden Boot? The Messi present simply goes on and on.
