The Argentina captain, who turns 39 on Wednesday, equalled the mark with a hat-trick in the 3-0 opening win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after his first goal, with reports later confirming his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue.
Despite the personal strain and a troubled build-up because of a hamstring injury, Messi’s influence on his teammates remains undimmed. “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.
Argentina can secure their place in the next round with victory, and would top Group J outright if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday.
Kylian Mbappe will reach a milestone of his own when France face Iraq in Philadelphia, playing his 100th international match. The 27-year-old is tied with Gerd Mueller on 14 World Cup goals after netting twice against Senegal. “There is nothing bigger – one hundred is a historic figure,” Mbappe said.
Elsewhere, Erling Haaland and Norway can also secure qualification with victory over Senegal, provided France beat Iraq on the same day.
– AFP
Photo: Reuters/William Purnell
