Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history after netting a spectacular double during Argentina's 2-0 victory against Austria. The 38-year-old forward opened the scoring with a trademark left-footed curler before wrapping up the win from a tight angle, securing a spot for the tournament holders in the last 32.

This historic performance means the Inter Miami star scored 18 goals across 28 World Cup appearances, surpassing the previous record of 16 goals held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. The feat marks a scintillating start to the tournament for the Argentine captain, who previously netted a hat-trick in the opening match against Canada. Following this second group game, the veteran attacker holds the unique distinction of scoring in six consecutive World Cup matches, a milestone previously reached only by France's Just Fontaine in 1958 and Brazil's Jairzinho in 1970.

Maintaining such a dominant physical and mental edge into the late 30s requires immense dedication to physical fitness, meticulous lifestyle choices, and unwavering self-belief. Former French forward Olivier Giroud noted that playing at the highest level at 39 demands strict attention to sleep, diet, and physical recovery. Sports psychologists emphasize that elite athletes like Messi rely on advances in sports science alongside the mental discipline necessary to endure daily training grinds after winning every major trophy. Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney observed that while age alters athleticism, a player's natural ability with the ball remains intact, allowing someone of this calibre to consistently create magic inside the penalty area.

This relentless drive to succeed often creates a sharp contrast between a player's public persona and their on-field determination. Former Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas recalled that the otherwise reserved forward transforms completely on the pitch, driven by a fierce desire to win at all costs. Observers note that this enduring passion mirrors the childlike joy of a young boy simply loving the game, keeping the veteran motivated even after achieving football immortality.

This exceptional display also heightens the long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently participating in his sixth World Cup with Portugal at 41. Following a quiet performance in Portugal's opening draw against DR Congo, peers suggest that the achievements of the Argentine counterpart will undoubtedly fuel the competitive drive of the Portuguese forward. While a younger generation of talent like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr continues to emerge, the veteran icons demonstrate that the crown of world football remains firmly contested. With a final group match against Jordan ahead, the Argentine captain remains a top contender for the Golden Boot, an individual accolade missing from an otherwise peerless collection.

-BBC