Lionel Messi Nears World Cup Scoring Record Against Austria

Lionel Messi stands one step from immortality. Again.

On Monday night in Dallas, the World Cup holders Argentina face Austria with their captain needing just one more goal to stand alone at the top of the tournament’s all‑time scoring charts. One more, and Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 falls. One more, and the World Cup’s greatest story adds another chapter.

He turns 39 on Wednesday. He is playing through a hamstring that has shadowed Argentina’s build-up. Off the pitch, his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue. When he scored the first of his hat-trick in the 3-0 opening win over Algeria, Messi broke down in tears.

The emotion made sense later, once the personal backdrop emerged. On the field, though, the old electricity returned. His three goals dragged him level with Klose. His presence, once again, dragged Argentina with him.

“If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all,” said Alexis Mac Allister after that win.

The quote cut through the pre-tournament noise in Argentina, where some had wondered how much the team still needed their ageing genius.

The answer in Dallas could be definitive. Beat Austria and Argentina are through. If Jordan fail to defeat Algeria later in the day, Lionel Scaloni’s side will also lock up top spot in Group J. Qualification, history, control of the group – all within reach, all orbiting around the left foot of a 39-year-old who refuses to fade.

Mbappé hits 100 as France march on

While Messi chases a record, Kylian Mbappé is busy stalking it from the other side of the draw.

In Philadelphia, the France captain will play his 100th game for his country when they meet Iraq in Group I. It is a landmark appearance for a player who has turned international football into his personal stage.

“There is nothing bigger — one hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me,” Mbappé said on Sunday.

He is 27 now, no longer the teenager who exploded onto the scene in 2018. The numbers, though, have kept pace with the hype. Mbappé is already tied with West Germany legend Gerd Müller on 14 World Cup goals after scoring twice in France’s opening 3-1 win over Senegal.

Two more, and he would be level with Messi. Three, and Klose’s mark would be in sight. For now, France’s focus is simple: beat Iraq, secure a place in the knockout rounds, and keep their star striker fit on a night when thunderstorms are forecast over Philadelphia.

Didier Deschamps’ team, beaten on penalties by Argentina in that wild 2022 final, are expected to overpower the Iraqis. Group I could be close to settled by the end of the day.

Norway, driven by Erling Haaland’s ruthless finishing, are watching closely. Haaland scored twice in a 4-1 opening win over Iraq, and if Norway beat Senegal in New Jersey while France see off Iraq, both European sides will be guaranteed a path into the last 16. One group, three elite forwards, and a scoring race that could define the tournament.

Spain answer critics, Cape Verde keep dreaming

Sunday brought its own stories.

Spain, under pressure at home after a flat 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening match, tore into Saudi Arabia with a performance that looked far more like European champions. The response was emphatic: a 4-0 win, the criticism suddenly sounding like fuel rather than a burden.

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, making his first start in two months after a hamstring problem, opened the scoring and immediately changed the mood around La Roja. Mikel Oyarzabal added two more, and a Hassan al-Tambakti own goal completed the rout.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente did not hide the edge that had driven his squad.

“When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong,” he said.

The table reflects that reaction. Spain now sit top of Group H with four points from two matches, back on schedule and back in control.

The other story in that group belongs to Cape Verde. World Cup debutants, written off before a ball was kicked, and now a team nobody wants to face.

After holding Spain in their opener, they produced another fearless display in Miami to draw 2-2 with Uruguay. It was open, entertaining, and full of belief from a side that arrived with little more than hope and has quickly found something stronger.

Their coach, Bubista, did not hide the scale of the dream.

“We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that’s what we showed in today’s match,” he said.

From unthinkable to entirely possible. Cape Verde head into their final group game with a genuine shot at the knockout rounds, and a growing global audience quietly willing them on.

Belgium stall, Iran send a message

Elsewhere, Belgium’s search for momentum continues.

The Red Devils, once again loaded with talent, are still waiting for their first win of the tournament after a 0-0 draw with Iran in Group G. It followed another stalemate, against Egypt, in their opening game. Two matches, two points, too little incision.

In Los Angeles, Belgium finished with 10 men and could not break down an Iranian side that defended with discipline and purpose. The frustration was obvious; the sense of a generation slipping away grows with every missed opportunity.

Iran’s story stretches far beyond the pitch. They are competing at this World Cup while their country and the United States engage in negotiations to end their war. Against that backdrop, the players left a handwritten note in the dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium.

“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations,” it read, before thanking the city and “every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.”

“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and left with dignity. May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”

On a day when Messi chases history, Mbappé hits a century, and Cape Verde refuse to stop dreaming, Iran’s message cuts through the noise. The football will move on to Dallas, Philadelphia, New Jersey and beyond. The question is what – and who – will be left standing when this World Cup’s race for records and redemption finally stops.