Lionel MessiRecord-breaking performance for Argentina fifa world cup There was praise from former Barcelona team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who said the Argentina captain continues to do the things that make him special.Messi became the top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history on Monday with a brace in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, and Ibrahimovic reflected on the 38-year-old’s achievement.“There are times when he looks human because he misses penalties. But there are times when he doesn’t look human. That’s Messi.”“So far this is his World Cup and he hasn’t played against Jordan. So I don’t know where it will end,” Ibrahimovic told Fox Sports.“Five goals in two games. I scored zero goals in two World Cups. So I’m happy for him and I hope he continues.”Messi scored his 17th goal of the World Cup and added his 18th in stoppage time to help defending champion Argentina seal a knockout spot.The record-breaking goal occurred in the 38th minute, two days before Messi’s 39th birthday. This also occurred at a time when he was worried about his father’s health at home.The goal continued Messi’s remarkable streak, which has seen him score in six consecutive World Cup games. Only France’s Juste Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho had previously achieved this feat.Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in the Group J opener in Kansas City, tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16 goals in the World Cup.In the game against Austria, he had a chance to surpass Klose but missed a penalty in the 9th minute.At present, the Argentina team has won the first two games of the group stage and entered the knockout stage. Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals so far in this World Cup, which is also his sixth appearance.His second goal of the game came in stoppage time. Goalkeeper Alexander Schrager saved his initial shot, but Messi converted the rebound through a group of defenders.The record was set in the first half when Thiago Almada let Facundo Medina’s pass pass to Messi. The Argentina captain shot with his left foot from about 20 yards after spotting Schrager going the wrong way.When the ball crossed the line, Messi ran to the corner flag and raised his right arm in celebration in front of 70,649 spectators at the NFL home of the Dallas Cowboys.Monday’s match was Messi’s 28th FIFA World Cup appearance, breaking his own World Cup record.
