[Saba Sports News] In the match between Argentina and Austria, Lionel Messi, who is about to turn 39, scored a brace to secure a 2-0 victory for Argentina. Meanwhile, he lifted his total World Cup goal tally to 18, officially surpassing German legendary striker Miroslav Klose to claim the sole title of the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. A few hours later, Kylian Mbappé also bagged a brace in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq, scoring twice in consecutive World Cup fixtures. Mbappé now has 16 World Cup goals, tying Klose for second place on the tournament’s all-time scoring chart, just two goals adrift of Messi. When asked about Messi’s newly set record in the mixed zone after the game, Mbappé remained composed: “Messi always scores goals. He has always been like that, and he always will be. If I keep focusing on what he’s doing, I’ll only put extra pressure on myself. I just need to focus on my own game and help France win matches.”
The editor believes that at this World Cup, 39-year-old Lionel Messi continues to write his legendary chapter. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Kylian Mbappé and 25-year-old Erling Haaland chase relentlessly with the ambition of the new generation. The World Cup’s battle of succession may have only just begun.