Lionel Messi produced an inspiring performance Monday evening as he scored twice to help Argentina go past Austria in Group H of the FIFA World Cup.
The goals see the former Barcelona and PSG star become the leading scorer at the tournament.
Lionel Messi, who was chasing a record 17th goal in the FIFA World Cup behind Miroslav Klose, failed to convert a penalty in the ninth minute after Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the box.
You May Also Like
The eight-time Balon d’Or winner was presented with another chance moments later, but the Austrian defence stoutly cleared the ball after an instinctive save by goalkeeper Schlagar.
There was no stopping the superstar with seven minutes to the end of the first half as he pounced on the ball at the edge of the box to find the bottom left corner.
The goal made Messi both the youngest and the oldest goalscorer for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup.
Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer scored in the 65th minute from a free kick from the edge of the box, but Emiliano Martinez showed some superb reflexes to deny the Bayern Munich forward, whose shot was heading to the top right corner.
Lionel Messi doubled Argentina’s lead in the closing stages of the game after some sloppy defending from the Austrians.
More Stories
Breaking: Spain defeat Mbappe’s France, reach World Cup final.
NFF Executive Committee Holds Crucial Meeting in Asaba, Charts Path for Nigerian Football Development
President Federation Cup Finale: Amazons, Warriors turn back newbies to claim titles
NFF set for FIFA Capacity-building Programme for Women Football Administrators
Egypt collapse, Argentina progress to World Cup quarter-finals
