DALLAS (United States) — Lionel Messi and World Cup holders Argentina face Austria in Dallas on Monday with the Argentine great needing one more goal to rewrite the record books.
Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time mark of 16 World Cup goals when scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 opening win over Algeria.
The Argentina captain was tearful after his first goal, and it later emerged that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue.
Despite his personal travails and a troubled build-up because of a hamstring injury, Messi’s mere presence appears to inspire his teammates.
“If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all,” said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria.
Argentina can qualify for the next round with a victory and would be assured of finishing top of Group J if Jordan fails to beat Algeria later on Monday.
Mbappe’s century
Another player chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record, Kylian Mbappe, will play his 100th game for France when they meet Iraq in Philadelphia.
“There is nothing bigger – one hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me,” Mbappe said according to AFP.
Mbappe, 27, is tied with West Germany legend Gerd Mueller on 14 goals after he netted twice in France’s opening 3-1 win against Senegal in Group I.
France, who was beaten by Argentina on penalties in the last final in 2022, will expect to brush aside the Iraqis to guarantee a ticket to the knockout phase.
Norway and their marksman Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Iraq in a 4-1 opening win, will also be guaranteed of going through from Group I if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France defeat Iraq.
Cape Verde magic
In Sunday’s action, Spain got their campaign back on track with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia and debutants Cape Verde conjured another memorable performance to snatch a 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
European champions Spain was frustrated in a 0-0 draw with World cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening game, sparking criticism at home.
But against the Saudis, Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal opened the scoring as he made his first start in two months since recovering from a hamstring problem.
Mikel Oyarzabal added two more, before a Hassan al-Tambakti own goal.
Spain coach Luis De la Fuente said his squad had been fuelled by the criticism of their opening performance.
“When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong,” said De la Fuente.
The win put Spain top of Group H with four points after two matches.
Cape Verde grabbed another point in an entertaining draw with Uruguay in Miami.
Their coach Bubista said his team were now dreaming of a place in the knockout rounds – a scenario that would have been unthinkable before the tournament.
