Lionel Messi set an new impressive record for Argentina at the FIFA World Cup after inspiring the side to victory over Mexico.
The nation's all-time leading scorer came up big for the South American champions in a must-win clash, as he bagged a goal and an assist on Saturday night.
Messi Keeps Argentina's World Cup Campaign Alive
The win keeps Argentina in contention for a spot in the round of 16 ahead of their final group game against Argentina.
The Paris Saint-Germain star also made a bit of history on the night, as he became the oldest player to register a goal and an assist in a World Cup game for La Albiceleste.
1 - Lionel Messi is now both the youngest (18y 357d vs Serbia in 2006) and the oldest (35y 155d vs Mexico today) player to both score and assist in a single World Cup game since the start of the 1966 tournament. Longevity. pic.twitter.com/e6Ak6fmI8l
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2022
What's more impressive, is that Messi is also holds the record for being the youngest Argentine player with a goal and an assist in a World Cup encounter.
Messi's goal on the night was also his eighth at the World Cup, which saw him move level with the late Diego Maradona. Gabriel Batistuta is the only Argentina player with goals (8) at the tournament.
"Given the defeat we didn't expect the days were very long and we were eager to have the chance to turn it around,' Messi said, as per Daily Mail.
"We knew this was a critical game because if didn't win we were out and if we won we had another chance.
"Luckily we won and it is a weight off our shoulders, a reason for joy and peace of mind because it is all down to us again."
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