39-Year-Old Messi Is One Goal From Rewriting History, And Nobody In Soccer Is Ready For It

Alright, fanatics! You gotta hear this: Lionel Messi is on the absolute precipice of rewriting World Cup record books! The man, who turns 39 this Wednesday, is just ONE goal away from becoming the all-time leading scorer. He tied Miroslav Klose's mark of 16 goals, dropping a hat-trick on Algeria in their 3-0 opening win. What a start!

Leo's Quest: History, Heartbreak, and Pure Inspiration

Can you even imagine the pressure? Messi, Argentina's captain, was tearful after that first goal. It later came out his dad is recovering from health issues. The guy’s dealt with personal stuff and a hamstring injury, but his presence fires up teammates. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said, "If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all." Argentina faces Austria in Dallas Monday. A victory qualifies them for the next round and guarantees top of Group J if Jordan doesn't beat Algeria. Stakes are SO high.

Mbappe Chasing History Too, While Norway's Haaland Crushes It

More record-chasing! Kylian Mbappe, 27, guns for the all-time World Cup scoring record. He hits his 100th game for France against Iraq in Philadelphia. Mbappe is tied with Gerd Mueller on 14 goals, bagging two in France's 3-1 opening win vs. Senegal in Group I. He called 100 caps a "historic figure," making it a "special match." France, beaten by Argentina in the 2022 final, expects to roll over Iraq to lock in their knockout spot. A

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nd Erling Haaland! Norway's marksman scored twice against Iraq in a 4-1 opening win. Norway is also guaranteed through from Group I if they beat Senegal AND France defeats Iraq. Group I is WILD!

Spain Finds Its Fire, Cape Verde Dreams Big

Sunday gave us serious drama. Spain absolutely hammered Saudi Arabia 4-0, a huge bounce-back. Their frustrating 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde sparked criticism, which fueled them! Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal, in his first start in two months post-hamstring, got them started. Mikel Oyarzabal added two more, plus a Hassan al-Tambakti own goal. Coach Luis De la Fuente called out critics, saying, "When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong." That win put Spain top of Group H with four points. And Cape Verde? They snagged another point in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Uruguay! Coach Bubista dreams of a knockout spot, previously "unthinkable." He said, "We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that's what we showed today in today's match." Love an underdog! Meanwhile, Belgium still seeks their first win after a 0-0 draw with Iran in Group G. So, get ready! All eyes are on Messi and Argentina Monday as they battle Austria, with history on the line. Can he get that record-breaking 17th goal? Will Argentina secure their spot? And will Mbappe keep pace in his own historic game? You KNOW we’ll be glued to the screen, cheering on every moment of this World Cup madness! Let’s go, soccer fans!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.