“For me, Lionel Messi is the best footballer of all time. Congratulations, champion,” Klose said in remarks quoted by German media outlet Süddeutsche Zeitung.

The contrast between the two football icons adds another fascinating chapter to this World Cup.

Despite a disciplined defensive approach, the European side found themselves unable to suppress a milestone-shattering evening that propelled the defending champions safely into the knockout phase with a game to spare.

Having picked up maximum points against Algeria and Austria, the reigning world champions are guaranteed to avoid a third-place finish. As things stand, a first or second-place finish means Argentina will square off against the runner-up of Group H, a spot currently occupied by Uruguay.

When asked to rank his absolute favourite goal from his unparalleled World Cup career or describe the feeling of breaking the record, the master goalscorer could only smile through the exhaustion.

Lionel Messi rewrote World Cup history with a brace against Austria on Monday night as Argentina secured a 2-0 win and booked their place in the Round of 32. In the process, Messi also became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Relive the unbridled emotion of a night built for footballing royalty.

The player widely regarded as the greatest of all time pounced late in the first half in Texas with a trademark left-footed finish after neat build-up play.

The 38-year-old maestro broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, capping off a sleek team move with a precise, clinical finish into the bottom corner.

Now Lionel Scaloni's assistant with Argentina, Aimar enjoys a unique place within the world champions' set-up. Not only was he Messi's childhood hero, but he has also had a front-row seat to the captain's extraordinary journey since joining the national team's coaching staff in 2018.

When Argentina take on Austria in their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J clash in Dallas tonight, Lionel Messi will have the chance to emulate one of Diego Maradona’s most memorable feats in the famous Albiceleste jersey.

Standing in their way is an Austrian side energised by Ralf Rangnick's demanding philosophy, one built on intensity, pressing and chaos.

Discover the untold childhood struggles of football icon Lionel Messi, from facing growth hormone deficiency in Rosario to signing his historic 2000 Barcelona napkin contract. His legendary journey inspires deep admiration for unmatched athletic perseverance.

Lionel Messi is now a free man. He has been ever since he inspired Argentina to lift their third World Cup four years back in Qatar in 2022, completing the one missing piece of a career that already stood at the summit of football.

Argentina vs Austria [ Monday, 11pm, Bangladesh Time]

Lionel Messi has 16 World Cup goals in total and needs one more to become the outright all-time top-scorer in the tournament's history when the two sides meet in Texas on Monday.

Aside from the Messi incident, the referees have made their uncompromising statement.

Speculation over the health of 68-year-old Jorge Messi has intensified after Argentina skipper Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals in a 3-0 World Cup victory over Algeria on Tuesday.

One pass to find him. One drop of the shoulder to leave them grasping at straws. And one touch to burst into space and bend the game to his will. It was all Argentina needed.

Brazil's fiercest football rivals Argentina had a far better time, with Messi scoring three goals against Algeria on Tuesday.