Messi becomes highest goal scorer for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup after penalty strike vs France

Lionel Messi scored his fifth goal of the tournament, when he scored against Croatia in the FIFA World Cup semifinal at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday.

Published : Dec 14, 2022 01:03 IST

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with Rodrigo De Paul, left, after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia at the Lusail Stadium.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with Rodrigo De Paul, left, after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia at the Lusail Stadium. | Photo Credit: AP
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Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with Rodrigo De Paul, left, after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia at the Lusail Stadium. | Photo Credit: AP

Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the tournament, when he scored against France in the FIFA World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar and Sunday.

The PSG forward converted from the post in the 23rd minute, scoring his fourth penalty goal in this edition of the tournament.

With the goal, his tally in World Cups rose to 11 in 25 games, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta, who he had got level with, after scoring from the spot against Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

The 35-year-old was already the highest goal scorer for Argentina and added the 96th goal to his tally, with this goal being his first goal in a World Cup semifinal.

Messi’s goals began with Argentina’s first match in the World Cup, when he converted the penalty against Saudi Arabia in the 10th minute.

Since then, he has scored a stunner against Mexico from outside the box and another against Australia, giving Argentina the lead in both the cases.

In the final against France, Messi scored his 12th goal in the FIFA World Cup, with a hit from the spot, giving Argentina the lead.

More to follow.

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