Lionel Messi sets new World Cup scoring record with 17 goals

Lionel Messi Breaks FIFA World Cup Goal Record

Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, has surpassed Miroslav Klose to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 17 goals in six football tournaments. The goal was scored during Argentina’s Group J match against Austria at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Messi achieved this milestone after scoring his team’s opening goal in their second group game. He had previously equalled Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals by hitting a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria earlier in the tournament. The match took place at the same stadium where Messi scored his latest goal.

This marks Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance, and he now has 121 goals in 201 games for Argentina. He is the third player to score in six successive World Cups for their country. His team, Argentina, will face Austria in their next group game, with a victory securing qualification for the next round.

Messi had previously missed a penalty earlier in the match against Algeria and was also tearful after scoring his first goal of the tournament. It was later revealed that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue. Despite personal challenges and a hamstring niggle, Messi’s presence on the field has inspired his teammates.

Source: Al Jazeera