Lionel Messi stands alone atop the all-time World Cup scoring table after netting twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria, a milestone achieved the day before he turns 39. The feat underscores what many observers already knew: the three-time World Cup winner remains a force that defies age and expectation.
Messi's second-half display in Group J left Austria with few answers. He converted from the penalty spot and added a second goal as Argentina dominated possession and controlled the match. The 38-year-old now has 18 World Cup goals overall and five in this tournament alone, leading the Golden Boot race.
"It feels special, but like I've always said it does," Messi said after the match. "I enjoy playing, having a good time on the pitch."
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni offered a more effusive assessment. "I have no words to talk about Leo, it makes us all a bit tired. I'm so happy with his performance," Scaloni said. "When the team was having a tough time without possession of the ball he worked, he managed to steal the ball, you could see his level of commitment."
Messi's dominance has not gone unmatched by his generational peers. Kylian Mbappé delivered two clinical finishes as France overwhelmed Iraq in Philadelphia, a match interrupted by severe weather. The French striker now has four goals in the tournament and holds 16 career World Cup goals, tied with Miroslav Klose for second all-time at just 27 years old.
Erling Haaland proved equally prolific in the second half, scoring twice to power Norway past Senegal in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. The young striker also sits on four tournament goals. Ismailá Sarr grabbed a brace for Senegal in a losing effort.
Elsewhere on day 13, Algeria staged a second-half comeback to eliminate Jordan 2-1 in Santa Clara. Goals from Ahmed Benbouali and Amine Gouiri leveled the Algerian side with Austria on three points in their group standings.
England preparations continue ahead of a Group L clash against Ghana in Boston later today. Thomas Tuchel has emphasized the need for his defense to tighten after giving Croatia too much space in their previous outing. Ghana's attacking profile remains a concern despite the West African side failing to register a shot in the first half of their opener against Panama.
"I expect more ball possession. I expect Ghana to rely on counterattacks because they are very physical, very fast and dangerous," Tuchel said.
Argentina's dominant showing leaves them well positioned to advance from Group J, while France and Norway have also secured their places in the knockout stages with two games complete. The tournament schedule for the remainder of day 13 includes Portugal versus Uzbekistan and a late fixture between DR Congo and Colombia.
Author James Rodriguez: "Messi's timing is almost supernatural, but his competition from Mbappé and Haaland keeps this tournament from belonging to any one player."
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