Argentina 2-0 Austria: Messi 38, 90+4
Argentina have now scored five goals in their two games played so far at the World Cup and Lionel Messi has scored all five. Is there any better way to prove yourself the best in the business? Messi is no longer just the Albiceleste mascot. He is now also a kind of footballing daddy.
With his first goal he broke the record for most goals scored in World Cup history, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, whom he had matched with the hat-trick last time out, and with his second goal that bookended the game, he moved further clear of the tournament’s scoring charts.
The 2-0 victory over Austria means that Argentina, the defending champions, maintain perfect start to Group J. They remain top of the group and play their final game against Jordan on Saturday. Messi himself with five goals in two matches is now the leading man for the Golden Boot.
The Argentina captain could have broken the record inside the opening 10 minutes when his side were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Up he stepped but the effort was wide, the goalkeeper also covering the distance and might have got a hand to it.
Austria were a good side here, well organised and enjoying some good moments. They pressed aggressively and Marcel Sabitzer tested Argentina’s defence with his movement and energy. But seven minutes before half-time, Argentina showed excellent teamwork to take the lead.
It was quite frankly a really good goal to watch. Thiago Almada’s intelligent movement created space on the left for Facundo Medina to deliver a low cutback into the area. Almada dummied and Messi met it first time, sweeping beyond Alexander Schlager.
Austria rallied and Sabitzer soon forced Emiliano Martinez into a save from a freekick, before Michael Gregoritsch headed over during Austria’s best spell. But Argentina rarely looked in serious danger of surrendering their lead. They were indeed guilty of not seizing their chances to grab a two-goal cushion, before Messi got his second at the end.
