Messi-Maradona Record: Lionel Messi equals Diego Maradona's tally, keeps Argentina Dream ALIVE

Messi-Maradona Record: FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE – Lionel Messi delivers when it mattered the most for Argentina as la Albiceleste kept their World Cup hopes alive. Needing a win to stay in the competition, Messi weaved his magic to help his side seal a 2-0 win. The 35-year-old’s strike was his 8th in World Cup finals, equalling the late legend Diego Maradona. Follow FIFA WC 2022 LIVE on Insidesport.IN

Also Read: Argentina vs Mexico HIGHLIGHTS: Enzo Fernandez & Leo Messi SINK Mexico – Check FIFA World Cup 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

Messi-Maradona Record: LONE Warrior Lionel Messi equals Diego Maradona’s tally, keeps Argentina Dream ALIVE in World Cup LAST DANCE – Watch Highlights

Lionel Messi broke a plethora of records once again as Argentina live to fight another day in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. On the brink of elimination, Messi took matters into his own hands to score a sumptuous goal in the 63rd minute. While the scores level at 0-0, the Argentian skipper received the ball outside the box and let his left boot unfurl as the Lusail Stadium erupted in celebrations.

It is Messi’s 8th goal in the FIFA World Cup finals. The 35-year-old equals the late legend Diego Maradona, who also had 8. The record for Argentian stands with Gabriel Batistuta. The former Roma strike has 10 in World Cups. The overall record stands with Brazil’s Ronaldo, who scored 15.

List of Messi’s World Cup goals

1	Serbia and Montenegro	Germany 2006	Group stage
2	Bosnia and Herzegovina	Brazil 2014	Group stage
3	Iran	Brazil 2014	Group stage
4	Nigeria	Brazil 2014	Group stage
5	Nigeria	Brazil 2014	Group stage
6	Nigeria	Russia 2018	Group stage
7	Saudi Arabia	Qatar 2022	Group stage

Messi has 93 goals for Argentina but none could be more important than his strike on Saturday. The 35-year-old, potentially playing his last World Cup, had lost to Saudi Arabia in the opener. La Albicleeste were staring at an exit before Messi pulled them back into contention.

The 35-year-old is battling a niggling ankle injury, which makes his goal-scoring exploits in Qatar even more special. Additionally, his wife Antonella and children watched the game live from the stands as Messi powered his side home on Saturday.

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Messi-Maradona Record: LONE Warrior Lionel Messi equals Diego Maradona’s tally, keeps Argentina Dream ALIVE in World Cup LAST DANCE – Watch Highlights

When in trouble, Argentina football fans remember the LATE legend, Diego Maradona. Before kick-off, the national team fans crowded the narrow alleys of Doha’s main market. Fans waved Maradona flags and chanted his name along with Messi. The chanting continued in the stadium as the crowd cheered Messi and Co on.

Some fans chanted ‘Viva Diego’ and also unfurl flags in honour of Maradona. Some of them expected Maradona, to pass his magic to Messi for the must-win group game against Mexico. The 35-year-old’s goal suggests that the Argentine prayers were answered, but the job is not done yet for Messi and Co. The Copa America champions need a win over Poland to seal their place in the round of 16.