Magic Messi makes World Cup history to send Argentina into last 32
TDT | AFP
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in World Cup history as the Argentina captain struck twice to secure a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday and send the champions into the last 32.
The player widely regarded as the greatest of all time opened the scoring late in the first half in Texas with a trademark left-footed finish after a neat passing move, taking his record tally to 17 World Cup goals. The strike moved him clear of Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16.
It could have been an even better night for Messi, who missed an early penalty in front of a heavily pro-Argentina crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium. His slow run-up ended with a tame effort dragged wide of the post.
It could have been an even better night for Messi, who missed an early penalty in front of a heavily pro-Argentina crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium. His slow run-up ended with a tame effort dragged wide of the post.
“Very happy for the victory, it was very important and it gives us peace of mind for what is to come,” Messi, at his sixth World Cup, told broadcasters. “The match was even, intense and we are happy to get six points.”
Messi’s name rang out around the stadium after another legendary display. “There is not much to say about Leo. More than 20 years of being the best in the world, he is the best in history,” said teammate Julián Álvarez.
With both sides knowing a win would secure knockout qualification, Lautaro Martínez was brought down in the box after being sandwiched by two Austrian defenders. Referee Amin Mohamed awarded a penalty following VAR review, and a roar went up as Messi stepped forward on nine minutes, only to miss the target.
Austria, well organised under Ralf Rangnick, sat deep and offered little in attack, failing to register a shot on target in the first half. David Alaba twice denied Messi, first nicking the ball off his feet and later blocking a goalbound effort with goalkeeper Alexander Schlager beaten.
The breakthrough finally came on 38 minutes. Facundo Medina delivered from the left, and after Thiago Almada cleverly let the ball run through his legs, Messi was left unmarked to sweep home from close range.
Argentina failed to extend their lead after the break and the tempo dropped, though Emiliano Martínez was called into action once as Austria briefly threatened.
Messi then sealed the win deep in stoppage time, reacting quickest in the box to force the ball home for his second of the night.
“We knew that he is on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed us today that he's the best,” said Rangnick.
Related Posts