The record is very close.
After scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in the opening match, Messi increased his total number of goals in World Cups to 16, equaling the record of Miroslav Klose.
It was a milestone once considered very difficult to reach. Klose took 24 matches across four World Cups to set the record. Messi has also gone through nearly two decades of international competition, from the 2006 World Cup to the 2026 World Cup, to stand alongside the German legend.
Therefore, the match against Austria is generating special interest. Just one more goal and Messi will take sole possession of the top spot on the list of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the world's biggest football tournament.
That's why all eyes will continue to be on the Argentinian captain when the ball rolls in Los Angeles.
But Austria didn't come here to be a witness to history.
While Algeria provided Argentina with an opportunity to showcase their strength, Austria promises to present a completely different challenge.
Coach Ralf Rangnick's team started the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. They possess an energetic playing style, aggressive pressing, and a willingness to contest every area of the pitch.
In the pre-match press conference, Rangnick acknowledged that Argentina is one of the strongest teams in the world today. However, the German coach also affirmed that Austria would not change its identity to focus solely on defense.
This means Argentina will likely have to play a much more difficult match than their opening game.
Messi remains the focal point, but to score more goals, he will need more space than Austria usually allows their opponents.
Records are just rewards.
In reality, what sets Messi apart isn't the numbers.
At 39, he remains the man who dictates Argentina's attacking tempo. Against Algeria, Messi not only scored three goals but was also central to most of the dangerous attacking moves of the team in blue and white stripes.
That's also why Lionel Scaloni doesn't want his players to focus too much on individual records.
Argentina understands that a win against Austria would bring them very close to qualifying. And if that happens, along with a goal from Messi, that would simply be an added bonus.
The World Cup always loves historic moments. Argentinian fans certainly are no exception.
But before thinking about beating Klose, Messi and his teammates have another task: beating Austria.
If he manages to do that, Los Angeles could very well witness another chapter in the already record-breaking career of the Argentinian number 10.
Source: https://danviet.vn/messi-va-90-phut-de-vuot-qua-klose-d1437281.html
