Lionel Messi admitted the emotion of creating more World Cup history had left him worn out after scoring twice to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria in Dallas. The brace saw Messi overtake Miroslav Klose as the greatest scorer the World Cup has ever seen, taking his tally to 17 goals in total, including five in two games in North America to lead the race for the Golden Boot.
Messi's Exhaustion and Enjoyment
Messi, who also missed a first-half penalty, said: "I'm tired and I'm running on fumes. It's hard to think. But I'm enjoying this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates. It's been spectacular how it has all unfolded." He added: "I had the penalty, which could have increased my tally. But perhaps the others wouldn't have come, you never know. I'm happy with the team."
Teammates Praise Messi's Magic
Team-mate Julian Alvarez insisted Messi is continuing to prove he is football's undisputed GOAT, and that his 'magic' was giving the defending champions genuine belief they can go on to defend their crown. Alvarez said: "He continues to demonstrate, even at his age, that he has the talent and all his magic. There's not much to say. We all see it, he's the best in the world. It gives us peace of mind for what's to come. This is the World Cup, everything is very close and very intense. That's why we're happy to have earned six points and already secured qualification."
Argentine Camp Speechless
Licha Martínez attempted to sum up the feelings in the Argentine camp: "There are no words, we can only enjoy it. He's alone at the top. I'm speechless. I feel an enormous emotion that he's Argentinian. We have to value him." Leandro Paredes added: "It's crazy, he continues to surprise us. It's a pleasure for us to try and enjoy him every day, in every training session and match."
Argentina are now all-but guaranteed to win Group J and face last-32 opponents in Messi's adopted home of Miami. Messi has now scored in six World Cup games in a row.
