2026 World Cup: Lionel Messi Plays Dumb and Still Isn’t Satisfied

Lionel Messi is enjoying Argentina’s qualification for the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, but he immediately puts the team’s result ahead of his personal records. After the 2-0 win over Austria, which he sealed with a brace, the Argentine star emphasized the importance of the Albiceleste’s victory.

“I’m very happy, above all, about the victory, which was extremely important—for the six points and for qualifying,” Messi said after the match.

The forward then highlighted the difficulties encountered during the match: “It was a tough game; we struggled at times—that’s what the World Cup is all about.”

When asked about the best goal among the 18 he’s scored in the tournament’s history, La Pulga preferred to focus on the present: “What’s my favorite goal out of the 18 I’ve scored at the World Cup? I don’t remember them all right now—I’m a little tired, I need to recover… I want to enjoy this moment with my teammates.”

Finally, a comment on his extraordinary performance in the first two matches of the tournament, with five goals to his credit: “Five goals after two World Cup matches? It’s spectacular, but there could have been more… I’m happy with everything.”