Goal record is merely a footnote in Lionel Messi's greatest World Cup story

Lionel Messi’s World Cup story has been defined by records, but the latest chapter in Dallas highlights a more dramatic shift in his role on Argentina. In a match against Austria, Messi scored twice, moving past Miroslav Klose to become the leading men’s World Cup goalscorer. The article notes that records have accumulated across his career, yet emphasizes that the broader significance lies in how perceptions of Messi have changed. For years, he faced criticism as an Argentina “World Cup underachiever,” constantly compared with Diego Maradona. After Argentina’s 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany and later struggles—including consecutive Copa América defeats and an unsettling 2018 campaign—Messi’s achievements and shortcomings were repeatedly tied to him. Now, the piece says his position has become the emotional centre of a team that appears united.