Messi sets World Cup scoring record as Argentina, France, and Norway advance
via The Namibian3 min read
Lionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, securing Argentina's spot in the last 32 with two goals in their 2-0 victory over Austria. Messi, who will turn 39 on Wednesday, initially missed a penalty but later scored in the first half and again in stoppage time, bringing his tournament total to five goals and his career World Cup tally to 18, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record. Argentina is now guaranteed to top Group J. Meanwhile, France also advanced to the knockout rounds after a 3-0 win against Iraq, a match that experienced a nearly two-hour delay due to a severe thunderstorm in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France, with Ousmane Dembele adding another goal. Norway's Erling Haaland also made an impact, scoring two goals in his team's 3-2 win against Senegal, bringing his tournament total to four. This sets up a crucial Group I match between France and Norway to determine the group winner.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, marking his 100th cap, as France secured a 3-0 victory over Iraq in a World Cup match. The game, held in Philadelphia, was delayed by two hours due to a severe storm. Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute and added another in the second half, with Ousmane Dembele contributing the third goal. This brings Mbappe's career World Cup goal tally to 16, placing him two goals behind Lionel Messi. The match was halted at half-time due to torrential rain and a storm, leading to a two-hour delay before play resumed. France made three changes to their lineup from their previous game. Mbappe's first goal came from a 20-meter shot, and his second was set up by Dembele after a defensive error by Iraq. Dembele later scored France's third goal. France is now certain to reach the last 32 after winning both of their Group I matches, while Iraq faces early elimination after two losses.