Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has managed to shatter at least one notable Argentina record in each match of its 2022 FIFA World Cup run, and in the first half of the semifinal clash against Croatia, he did just that.
Messi scored Argentina’s first goal against Croatia, as he slotted home a penalty attempt with relative ease in the opening half of the contest. The goal for Messi was his fifth in the ongoing World Cup tournament.
Overall, the PSG star also made history with the goal; he became Argentina’s all-time leading goal-scorer in the sport’s biggest tournament with 11 total goals.
🎖️ Lionel Messi's 11th World Cup goal takes him past Gabriel Batistuta to set a new outright Argentinian record!
🥇🇦🇷 Messi: 11 ⚽️ ⬆️
🥈🇦🇷 Batistuta: 10 ⚽️
🥉🇦🇷 Maradona: 8 ⚽️
🥉🇦🇷 Stabile: 8 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/iw6kBm0Wu1— MessivsRonaldo.app (@mvsrapp) December 13, 2022
Messi also holds numerous other Argentina records, including the most appearances by a La Albiceleste player in the World Cup with an astounding 25.
For now, Messi is looking to do what he can to help Argentina clinch a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final. Croatia currently stands in Messi’s way of achieving this historic feat in his storied career with the Argentina national team.
