Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 and Lionel Messi scored twice to become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer and advance to the last 32.
Messi admits he is exhausted by his heroics (Image: Xinhua/Shutterstock)
Lionel Messi has admitted that the emotion of creating more World Cup history has exhausted him. Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Dallas, and Messi’s two goals made him overtake Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time top scorer.
The soccer icon achieved a total of 17 wins, including five in two games in North America, leading the race for the Golden Boot. Argentina are all but certain to win Group J and will face a round of 32 opponents in Messi’s home base of Miami.
Messi admitted that while his blockbuster start to the final was great, it came at a high cost. Messi, who also missed a penalty kick in the first half, 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. It was spectacular how it all unfolded.”
“I had a penalty, so I could have scored more. But maybe other players didn’t come, you never know. I’m happy with the team.”
Teammate Julian Alvarez insisted that Messi continues to prove that he is the undisputed GOAT of football. And Messi’s ‘magic’ gave the defending champions true belief that they could continue to retain their title.
“He continues to prove that even at this age he has the talent and all the magic. There’s not much to say, everyone admits it, but he’s the best in the world,” Alvarez said.
“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.”
Lionel Messi scores in six consecutive World Cup games (Image: Getty Images)
Richa Martinez tried to sum up the feelings in the Argentine camp. He said: “There are no words. We can only enjoy it. He is the only one at the top. I am speechless. I am very touched that he is an Argentine. We have to cherish him.”
Leandro Paredes added: “It’s crazy. He continues to surprise us. It’s good for us to try to enjoy him every day, in every training session and in every match.”
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