Lionel Messi made history on Monday by scoring his 17th career World Cup goal during a Group J match against Austria. This goal set a new record for the most goals scored in the tournament’s history.
However, the goal became a topic of debate when Peter Schmeichel, a commentator for FOX, criticized its legitimacy on the halftime show. Schmeichel argued that the goal, scored in the 38th minute, should have been disallowed due to the referee’s decision earlier in the match.
“I don’t think that goal should have stood,” Schmeichel stated, questioning a penalty called against Austria. “Think about how they got the penalty. It was a kick from behind, through the player. Now, this should be a free kick.”
The controversy centered on a sequence that began with a throw-in, where Argentine player Alexis Mac Allister tripped Austria’s Xaver Schlager. Shortly after, Messi scored the historic goal while Schlager was still down.
“That should have been a free kick,” Schmeichel continued. “VAR should have taken that back. That is a clear and obvious mistake by the referee.”
Despite the criticism, Argentina led the match 1-0 and seemed poised to start the tournament with two consecutive wins. They defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opener on June 16, with Messi achieving his first World Cup hat trick.
With four goals in the tournament, Messi broke the previous record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. Messi also became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cups.
Messi not only aims to conclude this year’s tournament as the top goal scorer but also as the leading assister, tied with Diego Maradona at eight assists over his previous five tournaments.
Following the match against Austria, Argentina will play Jordan in the group stage finale at 10 p.m. on Saturday in Dallas.
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