Lionel Messi made history in Argentina’s victory over Austria in the 2026 World Cup (2-0), but former Manchester United and Sporting goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes that the goal that earned the Argentine the record should not have been validated. The controversy arose around Messi’s opening goal, which made him the all-time top scorer in World Cups with 17 goals, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose. The former Danish international argues that the play should have been disallowed due to a foul by Alexis Mac Allister at the beginning of the move. In statements to Fox Sports, Schmeichel was clear in his analysis. “I don’t think that goal should have been validated,” he stated, explaining his perspective. “This is a kick from behind on Xaver Schlager. It’s a free kick; Mac Allister brought the player down. A free kick should have been awarded. VAR should have overturned the decision. It’s a clear and obvious mistake by the referee,” concluded the former keeper, admitting to feeling “a bit frustrated” with the situation. Despite the controversy, 38-year-old Messi would go on to score again in stoppage time; however, the Argentine star also missed a golden opportunity to break the record earlier by failing to convert a penalty at the start of the match. At the end of the game, Messi expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. “I’m tired and running on reserves. It’s hard to think. But I’m enjoying this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates,” he confessed. “It’s been spectacular how everything has unfolded. I had the penalty, which could have increased my tally or not. But maybe the other [goals] wouldn’t have come; you never know. I’m happy with the team,” he added. With qualification for the next stage already secured, Messi’s Argentina will face Jordan in the final group stage match. The South American team could even secure first place in the group if Jordan fails to defeat Algeria.
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