Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer when he netted both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in Group J in Dallas to confirm the holders’ place in the last 32. Messi took his total to 18 World Cup goals when he netted in the 38th and 95th minutes having earlier missed from the penalty spot as Argentina secured their second win to move on to six points.
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Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals with a hat-trick as Argentina began their title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. Messi’s second took him level with Brazil great Ronaldo on 15 goals across his six World Cup appearances. He was denied in a one-on-one by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane and had a penalty appeal turned down before joining Germany’s Klose in a share of the record.
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Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not play at the next World Cup – set to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026 – to Chinese media outlet Titan Sports. Messi finally got his hands on the only major piece of silverware that had alluded him in his illustrious career when leading his country all the way at Qatar 2022.
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Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has extended his contract until 2026. Scaloni, 44, led his country to victory at the 2022 World Cup when they beat France on penalties in a dramatic final. He was appointed into his role by the Argentina Football Association (AFA) in 2018 and has also won the 2021 Copa America during his time in charge.
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ionel Messi finally achieved his World Cup dream as Argentina won their third crown on penalties following one of the greatest finals in the tournament’s history at Lusail Stadium. Argentina won the shootout 4-2 after a spectacular game which developed into the much-anticipated confrontation between Messi and Mbappe, the Frenchman scoring a hat-trick but still ended up on the losing side.
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