Ibrahimovic Praises Messi's Record-Breaking World Cup Performance

Lionel Messi's record-breaking performance for Argentina at the FIFA World Cup has drawn praise from former Barcelona teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who said the Argentina captain continues to do things that separate him from everyone else.

After Messi scored twice in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria on Monday to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, Ibrahimovic reflected on the 38-year-old's achievement.

"You have moments where he looks human by missing the penalty. Then you have the moments when he doesn't look human. That's Messi."

"So far it's his World Cup and he didn't play against Jordan yet. So I don't know where it will finish," Ibrahimovic said while talking to Fox sports. "Five goals in two games. I have zero goals in two world cups. So I'm h I'm happy for him and I hope he continues."

Messi set the record with his 17th World Cup goal before adding an 18th in stoppage time as defending champions Argentina secured a place in the knockout stage.

The record-breaking strike came in the 38th minute, two days before Messi's 39th birthday. It also came during a period when he is dealing with concerns over his father's health back home.

The goal extended another remarkable streak for Messi, who has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches. Only France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho had previously achieved that feat.

Messi had matched Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals after scoring his first World Cup hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in their Group J opener in Kansas City.

He had an earlier opportunity to move ahead of Klose against Austria but missed a penalty in the ninth minute.

Argentina have now won their opening two group matches and progressed to the knockout stage.

Messi has scored all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament so far, which is his sixth World Cup appearance.

His second goal of the match came in stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager saved his initial effort, but Messi converted the rebound through a crowd of defenders.

The record itself arrived in the first half when Thiago Almada allowed Facundo Medina's pass to run through to Messi.

From around 20 yards out, the Argentina captain struck with his left foot after catching Schlager moving the wrong way.

As the ball crossed the line, Messi ran towards the corner flag and raised his right arm in celebration in front of a crowd of 70,649 at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

Monday's match was Messi's 28th appearance at a FIFA World Cup, extending his own tournament record.