Lionel Messi made history by surpassing Miroslav Klose’s record with Argentina’s World Cup win over Austria, but former Manchester United star Peter Schmeichel believes his goal should have been written off.
Messi scored twice against Austria (Image: Getty Images)
Peter Schmeichel believes Lionel Messi’s record World Cup goal should have been canceled due to a foul on Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentina icon overtook Miroslav Klose in the opening match against Austria to become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
Messi completed a great team move to put Argentina ahead and score his 17th goal of the World Cup. But former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Schmeichel said the shot should have been canceled out by a foul on Mac Allister early on.
“I don’t think that goal should have been scored,” he told Fox Sports. “Look at how they were penalized. It was a kick from behind through Xaver Schlager.”
“It’s a free-kick. Mac Allister kicked a player down. It should have been a free-kick. Vaal should have taken it back. That was a clear mistake on the part of the referee,” he added. “I’m a bit annoyed by that.”
Had the goal been canceled it wouldn’t have mattered so much, as the 38-year-old would have added another goal in stoppage time.
Speaking about his record-breaking record, he said: “I’m tired and I’m running on fumes. It’s hard to think. But I’m enjoying the moment and looking forward to being with my teammates.”
“The whole thing was spectacular. I had a penalty, but I didn’t know if it would have resulted in more points. But maybe other players wouldn’t have come, you never know. I’m happy with the team.”
Messi becomes the highest scorer in World Cup history (Image: Getty Images)
Teammate Julian Alvarez also praised him. “Even at this age, he continues to prove that he has talent and that he has all the magic. There’s not much to say, everyone agrees, but he’s the best in the world.”
“This gives us peace of mind about what’s to come. This is a World Cup, everything is very close, very intense. That’s why I’m happy to have six points and already qualify.”
Not everything went Messi’s way, even though the veteran acquired yet another piece of history. He had a great chance to improve his record early on after Argentina were awarded a penalty, but his shot went wide.
Messi and Argentina will face Jordan in their final group match of the World Cup and have already qualified for the next round. If Jordan fails to beat Algeria, they could be crowned champions of the group overnight.
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