Lionel Messi achieved a significant milestone on Monday by scoring his 17th World Cup goal, setting a new record for the most goals at the international tournament during a Group J match against Austria.
Despite the celebratory moment, debate ensued over the legitimacy of the goal. FOX commentator Peter Schmeichel voiced his disagreement, criticizing Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed Omar. “I don’t think that goal should have stood,” Schmeichel expressed during the network’s halftime show, referencing a prior penalty decision against Austria. “Think about how they got the penalty. It was a kick from behind, through the player. Now, this (should be) a free kick.”
The controversial play occurred when Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina tripped Austrian player Xaver Schlager from behind following a throw-in. Moments later, Messi capitalized and scored. “That should have been a free kick,” Schmeichel reiterated, calling it a mistake by the referee that should have been corrected by VAR.
As the match progressed, Argentina held a 1-0 lead, moving closer to winning their second match of the tournament. In the preceding game, Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0, with Messi’s hat trick contributing significantly to the victory on June 16.
With these accomplishments, Messi not only bypassed Miroslav Klose of Germany in the record books but also became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cups. In addition to his scoring record, Messi ranks among the top distributors in the tournament’s history, tying Diego Maradona with eight assists over five tournaments.
Following the matchup with Austria, Argentina is set to play against Jordan on Saturday at 10 p.m. in Dallas, aiming to conclude the group stage triumphantly.
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