Lionel Messi’s brace against Austria places him alone at the top of the World Cup’s all-time goal scorers. Surpassing Germany’s Miroslov Klose.
With help for Messi, Argentina takes down Austria 2-0 and secures their spot in the round of 32.
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Argentina looked to have an early scoring opportunity thanks to a Lautaro Martínez run into the box.
But a strong Austrian tackle seemed to have cleanly broken up the charge.
However, following a VAR review, it was determined Martínez was fouled in the box. Awarding a penalty for Argentina.
There was no question of who would step to the spot to take the kick, Messi would look to create history, becoming the all-time goal scorer in World Cup history.
Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager guessed correctly, leaping to his left.
But, almost unbelievably, Messi would strike the ball wide, missing the goal entirely and squandering a possible moment at history.
Austria would find their first attempt at goal in the 23rd, but it would miss wide of net.
Argentina created another great chance in the 32nd minute, finding Messi inside the box.
But Messi’s strike would be blocked, keeping the game level.
But just six minutes later, Messi would atone for his earlier mistake.
Facundo Medina would lay back a pass to the middle of the field for a charging Messi, he would bury the pass first time, right into the back of net.
With that goal, Messi now stands alone as the World Cup’s all-time goal scorer with 17.
Argentina would take their 1-0 advantage, courtesy of Messi, into the half.
Coming out of the half, it would neither side would manage to find an attempt on net for a period of time.
But in the 55th minute, Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer would force Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make his first save of the match.
Argentina would turn the offense up to 11 following the Sabitzer shot, outshooting Austria nine to two from that point.
And Messi would make sure to leave his mark, finding yet another goal in the 90+4th minute, only increasing his all-time record.
Messi’s brace would be the difference in this affair, as the match with Argentina taking the 2-0 victory.
Argentina and Austria will both play their final group stage matches on Saturday.
Argentina’s final match against Jordon may not have any implications if Jordan can win or draw tonight against Algeria.
Austria will look to bounce back against Algeria, with a win most likely placing them into the knockout rounds.
Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official
