*1. World Cup Record Broken – Today June 22*
*Argentina 2-0 Austria* – Messi scored both goals in Dallas to send Argentina to the knockout stage fb1e5da4
*The records:*
1. *All-time World Cup top scorer*: His 2nd goal tonight was his 18th World Cup goal, breaking the overall record held by Brazil’s Marta with 17. He also passed Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the men’s record
2. *6 straight World Cup games with a goal* – extended his scoring streak
3. *5 goals in 2 matches* at this World Cup fb1e456b
*Post-match*: Messi said “I’m very tired” but “very happy with the win… it gives us calm for what’s coming”. He turns 39 on Wednesday. 456b
He did miss a penalty in the 8th min – his 3rd missed PK in World Cup history. fb1e
*2. Earlier This World Cup*
– *vs Algeria June 16*: Hat-trick in 3-0 win. That took him level with Klose on 16 goals. Became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick
– *First player to score in 5 World Cups* – he’s now played 6 World Cups total, a record 8470e8b041ab
*3. Fitness & Role*
Coach Lionel Scaloni says Messi is “even more” important to Argentina now. He recovered from a hamstring strain before the tournament. Teammates: “Twenty years being the best in the world… he still continues to show, at his age, that he has the talent and all his magic” – Julian Alvarez 847028d8
*4. Off-field*
*Lawsuit*: Messi and the Argentine FA are being sued by Miami-based promoter Vid Music Group for alleged breach of a $7M contract over missing an exhibition match last year 663b
*Club*: Still with Inter Miami in MLS. Had 12 goals, 8 assists in 14 matches before World Cup break. Named to MLS All-Star team. f160
Argentina now have 6 points from 2 Group J matches and are into the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
