Argentina rely on Messi magic again as record beckons against Austria

Defending champions Argentina national football team will once again look to Lionel Messi for inspiration when they take on Austria national football team at the World Cup in Dallas on Monday.

Messi heads into the Group L encounter level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Algeria.

The Argentine superstar, who turns 39 this week, was visibly emotional after opening the scoring, with reports later revealing his father is dealing with an unspecified health problem.

Although the Inter Miami CF forward only confirmed his participation in the tournament shortly before it began, Argentina always expected their captain to lead the defence of their world title.

A win against Austria would leave Lionel Scaloni’s men on the verge of sealing top spot in the group and a place in the knockout rounds with one match remaining.

Messi, however, insisted the record itself is not his focus.

“In the end, it’s just a statistic and nothing more,” he said.

Austria will provide a stern test after opening their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan under coach Ralf Rangnick.

Messi’s bond with Argentina supporters and teammates has strengthened significantly since the criticism he once faced earlier in his international career.

“There were feelings previously that he had not shown the same brilliance for his country that he did for more than 15 dazzling years at Barcelona,” but his influence on the current squad is unquestionable.

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

Coach Lionel Scaloni described the close connection between Messi and the players around him.

“He’s playing with a group of friends, with people that are going to play with their heart for him,” Scaloni said.

“You need to understand the atmosphere, the ambience.”

Forward Julian Alvarez admitted Messi has been his idol since childhood, while Rodrigo De Paul added: “He makes you want to go to war if he asks you to.”

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