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Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career after leading Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria and becoming the highest scoring player in men's FIFA World Cup history.
The Argentina captain scored both goals during Monday's Group J match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The performance gave his team another important win while taking his World Cup goal tally to a record 18.
Speaking after the match, Messi shifted the focus away from his personal achievement and praised his team's performance.
"Beyond anything I'm so happy for the win," he said. "It was huge, tough and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed to what's ahead."
The forward added that every game at the tournament has presented a unique challenge and said he is making the most of the experience with his teammates.
"All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I'm enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy with my teammates," he said.
Messi's latest goals also strengthened his bid for the tournament's Golden Boot, awarded to the competition's leading scorer. He currently leads the race with 18 career World Cup goals, while France's Kylian Mbappé and Norway's Erling Haaland have each scored four goals during the group stage of this year's tournament.
The latest milestone came only days after Messi delivered another standout display by scoring a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.
Earlier in the tournament, the 38 year old became emotional after Argentina opened its World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win. Explaining his tears after the match, Messi revealed they were connected to personal challenges rather than football.
"It was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days," he said. He also thanked the Argentina delegation and his teammates for standing by him and giving him the strength to overcome the difficult period.
Two days later, Messi's family issued a statement revealing that his 68 year old father, Jorge Messi, was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. The family said he remained under medical observation and was making positive progress in his recovery.
As Argentina advances to the next stage of the tournament, Messi continues to inspire both teammates and supporters while adding more history to an already extraordinary international career.
