An altogether head-turning statistic surrounding the production of Argentine icon Lionel Messi on the biggest stage has come to the fore late on Saturday evening.
This, of course, comes amid the veteran attacker’s latest appearance in his country’s colours.
Argentina are currently locked in action, in a World Cup Last-16 showdown with unfavoured Australia.
And, with 45 minutes on the clock, it is Lionel Scaloni’s men, as expected, who boast the advantage when it comes to the scoreline.
Amid a tense half of football, one moment of brilliance proved the difference, as the aforementioned Messi latched onto Nicolas Otamendi’s loose touch just inside the penalty area, before slotting a pinpoint finish into the far bottom corner:
LIONEL MESSI SCORES IN HIS 1000TH GAME 🔥
That’s 789 goals for the Argentina forward as he scores his first #FIFAWorldCup knockout strike 🤯#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/pioPUpZnhI
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 3, 2022
The goal marked a milestone one for the Albiceleste’s captain and leader, in both marking his first-ever in the knockout stages of the World Cup, and coming on his 1000th career appearance.
As per statisticians Squawka, the 35-year-old has now racked up a none-too-shabby 22 goals at major international tournaments, the same number managed by Ronaldo across his own legendary career to date.
Lionel Messi has now scored as many major tournament goals as Cristiano Ronaldo (22). 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/dmPSldbimp
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 3, 2022
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