‘It’s just statistics’ — Messi reacts to World Cup goals milestone
Lionel Messi has downplayed the significance of becoming the joint all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history, insisting that individual records are secondary to team success.
The Argentina captain described the milestone as “just statistics,” stressing that his focus remains on helping his country achieve its objectives at the tournament.
This comes after he netted a hat-trick in his team’s World Cup opener against Algeria where they secured a 3-0 victory over the North Africans.
Messi now joins Miroslav Klose as the top scorer in the tournament’s history with 16 goals.
He also broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the oldest scorer of a hat trick at a World Cup, while also becoming the youngest and oldest scorer for Argentina in a World Cup.
The Inter Miami captain described the feat as an honour but playing it down as just a statistic.
He said: “It’s an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and Ronaldo [Nazario], who is there also. But it doesn’t mean anything. [Kylian] Mbappé is there, too, he scored twice today. At the end of the day, they are stats and nothing more.
Read Also: Messi nets first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina thrash Algeria
“It’s an honor to compete with them, but it doesn’t mean anything. For me, Ronaldo, who I watched and is one of the greats, is not at the top. So, it’s just statistics.”
Messi was in tears after scoring the first goal in the encounter, he opened up on the reasons behind the tears.
He said: “Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football.
“I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it.
“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way.
“What I’m living through now is the cherry on top. I’m very happy and grateful for this wonderful group, I enjoy it so much.”
Similarly, Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni showered encomiums on Messi following his stunning performance against Algeria.
He said: “At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He’s incredible. It’s hard to explain, but we’re not surprised [by what he does because] we see him every day.
“As long as Leo wants to, he’ll be the best; he’s been doing it every match for 20 years. It’s thrilling to watch him, for anyone who loves football. He’s something difficult to explain.”
“He’s been in different conditions and has always been here. He’s always been monumental for us, and now he will be even more.”
Argentina will return to action against Austria on Monday while Algeria will take on Jordan on Tuesday.
The defending champions are currently on top of the group with three points same as Austria, who defeated Jordan 3-1.
