Lionel Messi’s Legacy Extension!
Arlington, Texas, USA, June 22 (EFE).-
Lionel Messi has made history once again. Capitalizing on his first major opportunity, he scored two goals to secure Argentina’s victory over Austria. This win brings the team within reach of the Round of 32, a spot they could confirm today. Furthermore, Messi reached a new milestone: with 18 career World Cup goals, he is now the all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history.
With determination, Messi and Argentina lived up to expectations, undeterred by an early missed penalty in the 9th minute. While many anticipated intense pressure from the Austrians, it ultimately posed no significant threat.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni outmaneuvered Austria’s Ralf Rangnick. Once again, Messi proved his class to those who doubt his status as the greatest player of all time.
He wasted no time demonstrating his prowess. Just three minutes into the match, Stefan Posch, playing with a protective jaw guard due to a prior injury, conceded a penalty against Lautaro, confirmed via VAR. Although Messi missed the spot-kick by placing it too close to the left post, the momentum of the game remained unchanged.
At nearly 39, the ’10’ compensated for physical decline with sheer intelligence. He no longer needs to sprint across the pitch; he simply accelerates for a few meters to create danger, always knowing how to position himself perfectly.
This positioning paid off when he found himself alone in front of the goal twice, though defender David Alaba stopped him both times. However, on the third occasion, he didn’t miss: emerging from behind the retreating Austrian defense, he latched onto a back-pass from Facundo Medina and slotted the ball into the net. It was a historic goal, adding another record to his career.
The goal dismantled Austria’s game plan. Ralf Rangnick’s style, based on collective pressing, faltered against Scaloni’s setup. Argentina didn’t prioritize long possession but instead played with high intensity, aiming to reach the final third quickly to exploit Lautaro’s pace, who started ahead of Julián Álvarez, and Messi’s brilliance.
Argentina lost a few balls in their own half, making for a quiet first half for goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. After halftime, the Austrians failed to apply sustained pressure, save for a free-kick by Marcel Sabitzer that ‘Dibu’ handled with ease.
Conversely, Argentina came closest to extending their lead, but Austrian keeper Alexander Schlager made a sharp save on a curling shot in the 66th minute.
Austria’s physical efforts weren’t enough to force a draw. This gave Lionel Scaloni the opportunity to rotate, giving minutes to players like Julián Álvarez and checking on Nicolás Tagliafico’s recovery.
In the 95th minute, Messi’s second goal sent fans into euphoria. Argentina proved they have the quality to contend for a second star, looking like a cohesive unit led by the greatest of them all.
– Match Statistics:
2 – Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero (Nicolás Otamendi, 58′), Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina (Nicolás Tagliafico, 82′); Rodrigo de Paul (Leandro Paredes, 82′), Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez (Nicolás González, 65′) and Thiago Almada (Julián Álvarez, 65′).
Coach: Lionel Scaloni 0 – Austria: Alexander Schlager; Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch (Prass, 68′), David Alaba (Friedl, 68′); Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Marcel Sabitzer, Romano Schmid (Wimmer, 78′), Konrad Laimer, Paul Wanner (Arnautovic, 68′); Michael Gregoritsch (Chukwuemeka, 86′).
Coach: Ralf Rangnick (GER). Yellow cards issued to Austrian players Posch and Laimer, and Argentine players Facundo Medina and Leandro Paredes.
Goals: 1-0: 38′ Messi. 2-0: 95′ Messi.
Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar (Egypt).
Match Details: Second round of Group J, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, before 70,655 spectators. Notable guests in attendance included Manu Ginóbili and Mario Kempes. EFE. og/dmv
