Lionel Messi became the most prolific scorer in World Cup history on Monday and, when asked to choose his favourite goal and reflect on breaking the record, summed up the occasion with his trademark understatement: “I’m very tired.”
The 38-year-old Argentine captain endured a mixed evening as he missed a penalty, scored twice, and extended his scoring streak at the World Cup to six consecutive matches in a hard-fought 2-0 win over Austria that sealed Argentina’s place in the knockout stage.
Messi’s opening goal, a first-time finish from Facundo Medina’s low cross, saw him draw level with Brazilian legend Marta on 17 World Cup goals across both the men’s and women’s competitions.
His stoppage-time second strike then took him outright top of the all-time list, setting a new benchmark.
“I’m very happy with the win,” Messi said. “It was a hugely important victory, a tough one, and one we worked hard for. It gives us calm for what’s coming.”
The match could have been more comfortable for Argentina had Messi converted his first-half penalty, but the forward insisted the team deserved credit for controlling proceedings, especially after Austria improved following the break.
“The truth is that the way it turned out today was spectacular,” he said. “I had the penalty that could have increased the lead, but I’m happy with the result and with the team’s work.”
Asked to pick his favourite World Cup goal, he responded, “I don’t know. To be honest, I can’t remember right now. I’m tired, I’m running low on energy, and I’m finding it hard to think.
“Anyway, I’m just going to enjoy this moment, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with my team-mates.”
Messi, who turns 39 later this week, now has five goals at this World Cup, while Argentina sit on six points from two Group J matches and have already secured qualification for the last 32 with a game to spare.
