With eight goals in the group stage encounter against Mexico at the 2022 World Cup now taking place in Qatar, Argentina’s star and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has tied Argentina great Diego Maradona for most goals ever scored in FIFA World Cup competitions.
According to Euro Sport, Messi has joined the ranks of football greats like Rivaldo, Rudi Voller, and his enduring nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo in addition to being tied with Maradona and second all-time for Argentina behind only Gabriel Batistuta (10 goals).
Midway through their match against Mexico in the 2022 World Cup group stage in Qatar, Argentina was in desperate need of a goal. That’s when Messi stepped up and scored in the 64th minute, saving his team from certain elimination. Argentina went on to win the match, earning all three points, and Enzo Fernandez added a second goal in the 87th.
Argentina finally got the lead they were clinging to when Messi found space on the outskirts of Mexico’s box and unleashed a low shot that beat Guillermo Ochoa. It was Messi’s second goal of the competition thus far, continuing a streak of six straight Argentina appearances with at least one goal. It also brought his career score to eight World Cup goals, tying him with fellow Argentinian legend Maradona, though there is still at least one more game left.
