Lionel Messibroke the record performance for Argentina at FIFA World Cup drew praise from former Barcelona team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who said the Argentina captain continues to do the things that separate him from everyone else.After Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria on Monday to become the top scorer in FIFA World Cup history, Ibrahimovic reflected on the 38-year-old’s achievement.“You have moments where he looks human when he misses a penalty. Then you have moments where he doesn’t look human. That’s Messi.”“For now, it’s his World Cup and he hasn’t played against Jordan yet. So I don’t know where he will end up,” Ibrahimovic said in an interview with Fox Sports.“Five goals in two games. I have zero goals in two World Cups. I’m happy for him and I hope he continues.”Messi set the record with his 17th World Cup goal before adding an 18th in stoppage time as defending champions Argentina secured a place in the knockout stages.The record goal came in the 38th minute, two days before Messi’s 39th birthday. It also occurred during a period when he was dealing with concerns about his father’s health at home.The goal extended another outstanding run for Messi, who has now scored in six consecutive World Cup games. Only Frenchman Just Fontaine and Brazilian Jairzinho have previously managed to achieve this.Messi moved level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals after scoring his first World Cup hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in their Group J opener in Kansas City.He had an earlier chance against Austria to put Klose up, but he missed the penalty in the ninth minute.Argentina has now won the first two games in the group and advanced to the knockout stage. Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament so far, which is his sixth appearance at the World Cup.His second goal of the game came in stoppage time. His initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, but Messi curled the rebound through a crowd of defenders.The record itself came in the first half when Thiago Almada allowed a pass from Facundo Medina to Messi. From about 20 yards out, the Argentina captain struck with his left foot after catching Schlager the wrong way.As the ball crossed the line, Messi ran toward the corner flag and raised his right arm in celebration in front of a crowd of 70,649 at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.Monday’s match was Messi’s 28th FIFA World Cup appearance, extending his tournament record.
