Lionel Messi was enveloped by his jubilant Argentinian teammates, all enthusiastically congratulating the new World Cup record holder for goals scored. Even Ralf Rangnick’s Austrian squad showed respect for the superstar in this historic moment.
In the 2-0 (1-0) win for the reigning champions against an ultimately too-harmless Austrian team, the 38-year-old was the center of attention. With his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, Messi prematurely led the defending champions into the knockout round.
«I am very happy that I have achieved all of this; it was a great victory. It was very difficult, but also very beautiful,» Messi said. «It went wonderfully; I am simply enjoying the moment.»
With his opening goal (38th minute), he surpassed previous record holder Miroslav Klose, whose mark he had equaled with a hat-trick in the opening match against Algeria (3-0). Klose immediately congratulated him.
«Lionel Messi is, for me, the best footballer of all time! Congratulations, champion!» the 48-year-old told Süddeutsche Zeitung. In stoppage time, Messi completed his brace (90th+5).
Messi Scores in Sixth Consecutive World Cup Match
Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches across tournaments. Against Austria, the Albiceleste captain began with a missed opportunity, failing to convert an early penalty (9th minute).
Rangnick had been optimistic beforehand but did not hide the power imbalance given the opponent’s immense individual quality, featuring the «best player there has ever been.» Rangnick relied on six Bundesliga legionaries in the starting lineup for the hoped-for upset. Attacking player Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund) played his 100th international match and, like the rest of the team, was initially defensively occupied.
Following a penetrating pass from Messi, Lautaro Martinez ran into the penalty area and was unsportingly brought down by Stefan Posch. The Egyptian referee Amin Omar, after a video review, awarded a penalty. Messi’s historic goal seemed assured; the eight-time world’s best player stepped up and shot low, but well wide of the post. Messi has missed three of his seven World Cup penalties (excluding penalty shootouts).
Argentina’s Individual Class Too Much for Austria
A murmur went through the atmospheric Dallas Stadium; Austria was fortunate. After a sleepy start, Rangnick’s team woke up and fought back. A won duel by Paul Wanner against Messi received special applause from the Austrian fans, who were clearly outnumbered.
However, Argentina’s individual class repeatedly came to the fore. Messi combined with Martinez in the penalty area, and a clearance by captain David Alaba nearly resulted in an own goal (19th minute). Austria’s only noteworthy shot of the first half, by Sabitzer, was blocked (23rd minute).
At the other end, Alaba again prevented Messi’s goal with a goal-line clearance for his beaten goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (32nd minute). This followed shortly after an assist by Facundo Medina.
Argentina maintained control even after halftime and pushed for a second goal. Austria did not give up. However, a powerful free-kick from Sabitzer was too centrally placed (55th minute). Messi shot wide from a promising position (65th minute), and shortly thereafter, Rangnick sought to inject new impetus with a triple substitution. Substitute Nicolas Gonzalez (73rd minute) missed the decisive goal after a corner from Messi.