Messi Rewrites World Cup Records Ahead of 39th Birthday

Lionel Messi (ANI Photo)

Lionel Messi insisted he is not focused on his age and is only concerned about staying fit after rewriting the FIFA World Cup record books just two days before his 39th birthday. The Argentina captain scored twice in a 2-0 win over Austria in Texas, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in men's World Cup history while also setting a new record for the most victories by any player in the tournament. Messi's first-half strike saw him move past German great Miroslav Klose's tally of 16 World Cup goals, while his stoppage-time effort took his overall tally to 18 goals. The victory also gave Messi his 18th World Cup win, surpassing Klose's previous record of 17 victories.

'I'm simply focused on being well'

With his 39th birthday approaching on June 24, Messi made it clear that thoughts about age are not occupying his mind. "I'm not spending time thinking about my age. I'm simply focused on being well," Messi told reporters after the game. "I feel physically good, and maybe that's why I'm playing better." The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also said he was uncertain whether he would feature in Argentina's final Group J clash against Jordan after the defending champions sealed qualification for the Round of 32. "The manager (Lionel Scaloni) will decide whether I play or not, or how much I play," Messi said. "I feel good and happy to be part of this group, which always competes no matter who the opponent is and never relaxes."

Missed penalty 'affected us a little'

Messi's evening had started on a frustrating note after he missed a sixth-minute penalty. He admitted that the setback had disrupted Argentina's rhythm. Messi said the missed opportunity affected the team "a little". "We missed two or three clear chances," he said. "We were controlling the game, but the ball just wouldn't go in. Then we managed to recover, playing very intense, very fast football." "The team competes, and competes very well. We can play better or worse, but there's no doubt we'll compete in every match the same way, no matter who the opponent is," he added. The brace also made Messi only the second player after Klose to score four or more goals in three different World Cups and lifted him to the top of the scoring charts in the ongoing tournament with five goals in two matches.

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