Lionel Messi moved ahead of Miroslav Klose to become the highest-scoring player in World Cup history during Argentina's 1-0 win over Austria.
The 39-year-old was given the opportunity to break the record from the penalty spot when Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the area. However, Messi missed the 33rd spot-kick of his career, firing comfortably wide from 12 yards out.
It didn't take him long to get over that miss, as the diminutive Inter Miami superstar struck with his left foot in the 38th minute. He swept the ball home after Argentina moved the ball from back to front in rapid fashion. But should it have counted?
Lionel Messi Told He Shouldn't Be World Cup Top Scorer
Lionel Messi at the 2026 World CupCredit: Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Messi is now the leading scorer in the competition's long history, ahead of the likes of Klose, Ronaldo Nazario and Gerd Muller, with 18 strikes in total. His late second gave him breathing space ahead of his nearest competitor.
However, there is a belief that his first goal vs Austria - the record-breaking strike - should've been ruled out. According to Peter Schmeichel, at least.
The Manchester United icon was working on FOX Sport's coverage of the game, and gave his thoughts at half-time. He believed the referee and VAR should have taken the goal away from Messi due to a foul by Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up.
"Think about how they get the penalty; this is a kick from behind through Xaver Schlager," Schmeichel said. The retired goalkeeper then added that it was a 'clear and obvious' mistake, saying:
"This is a free-kick, Mac Allister has kicked the player down. That should have been a free-kick. VAR should have taken that back. That is a clear and obvious mistake by the referee."
More to follow.