On Monday, Argentina defeated Austria with the final score of 2-0. Argentina has now qualified for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi also made a FIFA record in this match. He has become the leading goal scorer of all-time in FIFA World Cups.
In the 38th minute of the match Messi scored a goal. The Group J match was played at Arlington, Texas. He scored two goals in the match and his World Cup goals tally has gone to 18.
He has now scored more goals than the previous record of 16 goals. That record was held by Miroslav Klose.
He scored the second goal after he went through a crowd of defenders during stoppage time. This goal put the seal on Argentina’s win and ensured that Argentina will be going to the knockout stages.
The legendary Argentinian turns 39 years old on Wednesday. He is an eight-time Ballon D’Or winner.
It is interesting to note that at the 8th minute of the match he was given a penalty which he was not able to utilise.
However, the skipper of Argentina made a comeback seven minutes before the half-time of the match. The Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager dived to stop the goal but was not able to.
The second goal was scored by the skipper of Argentina deep in the fifth minute of stoppage time. His second goal took his tally to a total of 5 goals in this World Cup.
In his previous match he scored a hat-trick and Argentina won 3-0 against Algeria.
The latest victory has ensured that Argentina will qualify for the knockout stages. The top spot will be occupied by Argentina if Jordan is unable to defeat Algeria.
Also read: FIFA under fire after Messi avoids red card in controversial incident
