Lionel Messi has made history at the World Cup after his fourth goal for Argentina at the tournament
Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cup history after netting his 17th goal at the tournament. The Argentina superstar had matched Germany great Miroslav Klose's tally following his hat-trick against Algeria.
However, he has now surpassed that milestone, having struck in the South Americans' second group fixture against Austria.
Messi had been presented with the ideal chance to claim the record outright after Argentina were awarded an early penalty following a VAR check. Yet he blazed his spot-kick wide of the target.
The veteran ultimately secured his historic goal by pouncing on a low delivery, which was cleverly left by Rodrigo de Paul, before smashing the ball beyond Alexander Schlager.
He then went even further clear to 18 World Cup goals by scoring in injury time as Austria pushed for an equaliser.
After the match, the superstar 38-year-old admitted the early World Cup efforts were taking their toll.
He said: "I'm tired and I'm running on fumes. It's hard to think. But I'm enjoying this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates.
"It's been spectacular how it has all unfolded. I had the penalty, which could have increased my tally or not. But perhaps the others wouldn't have come, you never know. I'm happy with the team."
Messi's record-breaking effort follows his comments about his desire to reach the summit. Speaking after his hat-trick against Algeria, he said: "Honestly, no [I don't attach importance to the record]. It's an honour to be there because of what it means to be there next to Klose, Ronaldo is there too, but I don't think it means anything.
"Mbappe is there, he scored two today. It's a statistic and nothing more. While it's an honour to be able to compete with all of them, it doesn't mean anything to me. Ronaldo, from what I saw, was one of the greatest and he's not in first place, so it all comes down to a statistic."
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Messi was left in floods of tears following his record-equalling strike last week, and it has now emerged that his father, Jorge, is poorly. A statement issued by the Messi family last week read: "He is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favorably within his current condition.
"Given the versions, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter.
"The family also wishes to clarify that only his closest family members have accurate and reliable information about Jorge's condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come from the family itself and its official channels should not be considered valid or true. At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and compassion.
"A person's health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be subject to speculation or irresponsible media interest.
"We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern received, and we request that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process. Any relevant updates will be communicated promptly by the family and through the appropriate channels."
Messi and Argentina will wrap up their World Cup group stage fixtures against Jordan.
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