Messi makes history and shows why Argentina star i...
Key takeaways
- Supporters inside Dallas Stadium stood up as soon as Lionel Messi gained possession inside Austria's half in the 38th minute.
- Messi wasn't done yet, scoring Argentina's second in injury time to surpass another soccer legend -- Brazil's Marta -- to become the leading all-time scorer in men's and women's tournament history.
- When it comes to the GOAT debate, Messi emphatically answered that question in Dallas as Argentina booked their spot in the round of 32.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Supporters inside Dallas Stadium stood up as soon as Lionel Messi gained possession inside Austria's half in the 38th minute. Then, in a matter of seconds, his left-footed strike beyond goalkeeper Alexander Schlager turned a silent stadium into a cauldron of chants and cheers.
Fans sang "Messi, Messi" while bowing in unison to celebrate as the Albiceleste captain Messi made history with that goal, breaking a tie with Germany legend Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history. Even his Argentina teammates could not believe the situation, looking at each other in utter awe while hugging Messi in celebration of his 17th World Cup goal, and it came on a date uniquely tied to the country's rich soccer history.
Messi broke the record almost 20 years to the day since he scored his first World Cup goal, back in 2006 against Serbia & Montenegro; more amazingly, it was exactly 40 years since Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal on the way to Argentina winning the 1986 edition. Messi wasn't done yet, scoring Argentina's second in injury time to surpass another soccer legend -- Brazil's Marta -- to become the leading all-time scorer in men's and women's tournament history.