Maestro Lionel Messi Becomes all Time Highest World Cup Goals Scorer

By Akpo Esco 

Lionel Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goalscoring record as he was again the difference maker for Argentina. 

The reigning champions beat Austria 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup (WC) Group J game in Dallas, and qualified for the Round of 32.

A fast start was expected, and that’s exactly what happened with Argentina, initially not awarded a penalty in the fourth minute as Lisandro Martínez was felled in the area by Stefan Posch, but then given the spot-kick after a VAR intervention. 

That gave Messi the opportunity to open the scoring, but he uncharacteristically dragged his shot wide. It lifted the Austrians, who pressed at every opportunity, with Marcel Sabitzer and David Alaba particularly industrious.

By the time of the first hydration break, Austria were certainly in the ascendancy, without really threatening their opponents’ goal. Konrad Laimer was also making his presence felt, attempting four one-on-ones, but with Argentina then beginning to claw their way back into the game, it was only a matter of time before they took the lead. 

Who else but Messi would light the blue touch paper, with a record-breaking 17th World Cup goal, as he side-footed home Facundo Medina’s low cross. 

Culled from Bbc spots