Lionel Messi seen chatting closely with Austria star after breaking World Cup record
Lionel Messi was seen having a long chat with Marcel Sabitzer after becoming the all-time top World Cup goalscorer in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria — and many people think they know what they were talking about.
Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal during the first half at the Dallas Stadium, breaking Miroslav Klose’s record. His quick, left-footed shot from just inside the box hit the bottom corner of the net, and Messi celebrated right in front of the Argentine fans.
The record-breaking moment came at minute 38, but Messi didn’t stop there. He added a second goal in stoppage time of the second half to make the win even more impressive.
This game will be remembered for the 38-year-old star, who now has five goals in just two World Cup games this summer, after his hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria. So far, Messi is the only player to score for Argentina in the tournament.
Right after the game ended in Dallas, several Austrian players congratulated Messi. But Sabitzer seemed more excited than the rest. As he approached Messi, the Argentina legend made a hand gesture, and Sabitzer smiled and responded with one of his own. They nodded to each other before going their separate ways.
We don’t know exactly what they said, but BBC presenter Gabby Logan guessed that Sabitzer was probably asking Messi for his shirt to mark the special moment. Messi didn’t seem ready to give it up though, as he was still wearing it while heading back to the locker room.
Fans quickly shared their thoughts on social media, all saying the same thing — Sabitzer clearly wanted Messi’s shirt. One fan said, “Sabitzer’s first instinct is to get Messi’s jersey.” Another joked, “Sabitzer asking for that Messi jersey. That shirt is worth millions after today!”
Others agreed, saying, “Don’t think Messi will be giving away that shirt,” and “Sabitzer tried so hard to get Messi’s shirt — he’s so real!”
While everyone’s celebrating Messi’s big record, he has an even bigger chance ahead. In Argentina’s last group match against Jordan on Sunday, Messi can break another amazing record. He’s scored in six World Cup games in a row, tying the record held by France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho.
Fontaine scored 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup when France finished third, and Jairzinho scored in every match during Brazil’s 1970 winning run. Messi’s goals have come across two World Cups, including his key role in winning the 2022 World Cup.
Can Messi keep this up and lead Argentina to another win this summer? Only time will tell — but if anyone can do it, it’s definitely Messi!