Messi’s World Cup record run shows why Argentina still revolve around him

Lionel Messi is now the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer after striking twice in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria. The result also sent the defending champions into the last 32, with Messi already on five goals at this tournament after a hat-trick in the opener.

The 38-year-old has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, a run previously matched only by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho. The BBC report also cites Opta data saying Messi has created more chances than anyone in World Cup history and is level with Diego Maradona for assists since records began in 1966.

The wider question is not just the record, but the durability behind it. The source article points to a mix of technical quality, competitive drive, body management and motivation, with perspectives from Olivier Giroud, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fàbregas and sports psychologist Michael Caulfield.

Messi’s form also sharpens the tournament narrative around football’s next generation. Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr may be central figures now, but Argentina’s captain is still forcing the debate to run through him first.