Argentina 2-0 Austria: Messi made history – despite penalty miss

Lionel Messi missed a penalty – and then broke the World Cup record for most goals. Argentina secured advancement with a hard-won victory over a stubborn Austria.

The 38-year-old Argentine wasted a penalty as early as the ninth minute. He shot woefully wide when he was well placed – and thus missed the chance to break Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.

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But he made up for it at the end of the first half. After a perfectly timed cross from Facundo Medina, Messi appeared at the back post, and with one touch and one finish, his record was 17 World Cup goals.

It was not to be the last.

Austria fought – but Messi decided

Austria was an excellent value for a game that stayed alive all the way into extra time. Ralf Rangnick’s team pressed relentlessly, created several good chances and gave Argentina significantly more trouble than the result suggests.

The penalty came after seven minutes, when VAR ruled that Stefan Posch had fouled Lautaro Martínez in the box. Messi’s attempt was embarrassingly bad – relaxed in the run-up and outside the right post.

Nicolas Seiwald blocked a Messi effort on the line after 31 minutes, and Gregoritsch narrowly headed over after a cross from Sabitzer as the Austrians matched their opponents in the first half.

Then the moment came. Almada played out to Medina, whose perfectly timed cross found Messi at the back post. One touch, one finish – and the record was his.

Austria pressed – but Messi had the last word

Austria came back in the second half. Marcel Sabitzer, who got his 100th cap, forced Emiliano Martínez into a hard parry on a well-placed free kick.

Nicolas González had a shot blocked by Kevin Danso in the 87th minute, but the game seemed to ebb away.

Then, in extra time, Messi decided. His first attempt was blocked, but the rebound put him in the net from close range.

18 World Cup goals. The record is his. For now.

Argentina are ahead. Messi is historic. And Austria can go home with its head held high. – Despite the victory, it is not enough with a fantastic player against countries like France, Spain, England and Norway!.

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