Overview
- Lionel Messi moved clear as the men’s all-time World Cup scorer with 18 goals after a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace that sealed victory over Austria in Monday’s match, a run that also secured Argentina top spot in Group J and progression to the Round of 32.
- The Argentina squad and the national federation publicly celebrated Messi’s 39th birthday at the team base with a cake, personalised team T-shirts and social posts while fans in Argentina and cities such as Kolkata mounted large street tributes.
- Messi told reporters he will “continue for some time” if he can contribute and feels physically well, but he declined to commit to playing at the 2030 World Cup, saying he is focused on the present.
- The Golden Boot race is active with Messi leading on five goals and close challengers including Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Vinícius Júnior tracking him, keeping single-tournament scoring records in play.
- Off the field, Messi’s family released a statement that his father is under medical observation and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni can now rotate key players as the team moves into knockout football, which could extend Messi’s effectiveness and open chances to break further World Cup records.