Lionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with his 18th goal, scoring twice to give Argentina a 2-0 victory over Austria on Thursday. The Argentinian captain broke Germany striker Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals, set in 2014, by scoring his 17th World Cup goal seven minutes before half-time. He added his 18th with the final action of the match, securing Argentina's place in the last 32 with a game to spare.
Messi Reflects on 'Special' Record
After the match, an exhausted Messi described the achievement as 'special'. 'It feels special, but like I've always said it does,' he said. 'I enjoy playing, having a good time on the pitch. I wasn't necessarily having one on the penalty, but with luck we were able to work through that situation, take the advantage and leave with three points.' Messi had earlier missed a penalty but made amends with his two goals. When asked about his favourite World Cup goal, he laughed and said, 'I can't recall right now, I'm tired, low on energy, and finding it hard to think.'
Argentina Secure Last-32 Spot
Argentina's second consecutive win in Group J guarantees their progression to the knockout stage. 'We knew it was going to be a game with a lot of intensity and we knew we wouldn't be able to let our guard down,' Messi said. 'But yes, I'm happy. It's important to us also to get the six points to have a little bit of a calmer week.'
Scaloni and Teammates Hail Messi
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Messi's performances have left him speechless. 'I have no words to talk about Leo, it makes us all a bit tired,' Scaloni said. 'I'm so happy with his performance. He scored again. The team suffered and at times we created difficulties today. When Leo becomes active everyone activates.' Scaloni also praised Messi's work rate: 'When the team was having a tough time without possession of the ball he worked, he managed to steal the ball, you could see his level of commitment and there is a reason for that. He has commitment, this is what he generates.'
Julián Alvarez, who set up Messi's second goal, added: 'At his age, he continues to show his talent and all his magic. There isn't much to say. We all see it, he's the best in the world.'
Rangnick Questions VAR Decision
Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick also lauded Messi but felt Alexis Mac Allister had fouled Xaver Schlader in the buildup to Messi's first goal. 'We know Messi is on a level of his own and he showed today that he is the greatest,' Rangnick said. 'In my opinion there was a foul, but the VAR was not brave enough to tell the referee about the foul committed.'
