Messi, 38, opened Argentina's campaign with a left‑footed curler against Austria, sealing a 2‑0 victory. The goal also moved him past all‑time World Cup scorers, cementing the record as the tournament’s leading marksman. The early dominance signals Argentina’s intent to defend the title and gives Messi a clear path to the Golden Boot.

With a hat‑trick in the opener, Messi’s second match saw him net twice, raising his tally to 13 and keeping the race for the top scorer alive. He now boasts six straight World Cup goals, a feat shared only by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho, and no player has ever matched seven consecutive strikes in this edition.

Messi also trails the assist record, one step from eclipsing the World Cup’s all‑time creator, sharing the mark with Maradona. While youngsters like Mbappé, Haaland and Vinícius Jr are carving names, surpassing Messi’s combined goal‑and‑chance output remains a steep climb. The veteran’s numbers underscore his enduring influence on the stage for Argentine football history.

At 39, Messi’s longevity hinges on meticulous fitness, sleep, and nutrition, as Giroud notes. Psychological resilience also fuels his drive, with Caulfield citing relentless practice and self‑discipline. The striker’s continued brilliance keeps rivals like Ronaldo on edge, while it reaffirms Argentina’s hope to clinch another title on home soil in this World Cup campaign.