Messi Eyes World Cup Scoring Record With 1 More Goal as Father Faces Health Issue
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jun 22
Messi Eyes World Cup Scoring Record With 1 More Goal as Father Faces Health Issue
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jun 22
Summary
One goal against Austria on Monday would move Lionel Messi past Miroslav Klose as the outright top scorer in World Cup history.
The 38-year-old enters Argentina's second match after a hat-trick against Algeria, but said he had gone through "difficult days" before his family disclosed his father Jorge Messi was dealing with a health situation.
Argentina opens at 1 p.m. ET in Arlington as defending champion, with Austria captain David Alaba warning Messi's form is "absolutely insane" after the opener.
The match also tests Argentina beyond its captain, with Julián Álvarez still managing an ankle issue and Austria weighing a start for veteran striker Marko Arnautović after its 3-1 win over Jordan.