Lionel Messi said he was “happy” and also “tired” this Monday at the end of the match that Argentina won 2-0 against Austria and in which the '10' made history with two goals to become, with 18 goals, the top scorer of the World Cup.

Argentina secured its classification and found a new historic night for its captain at the stadium in Arlington, Texas. After the match, Messi chose to focus on the collective performance and the value of the result rather than on the individual record he achieved.

"I am very happy for the victory, it was a very important victory, a very hard and hard-worked match that gives us peace of mind for what is to come. This is the World Cup and everything is very intense and even, but we are happy to add six points and achieve qualification," the forward declared on television.

The Argentine attacker finished the match with two scores that allowed him to establish a new historical reference in World Cups. At the same time, his five goals in the current tournament also place him as the leader of the scoring charts for the 2026 World Cup.

Far from dwelling on the numbers, Messi spoke of the physical exhaustion that the commitment left behind and recognized the level of demand of the championship.

"I didn't imagine starting like this. I'm tired, but I hope to be able to celebrate this with my teammates, you never know what can happen now but I'm happy for the result and everyone's participation."

Between the demands of the tournament and a guaranteed classification

During his post-match statements, the Argentine captain explained that the team hoped to add victories against Algeria and Austria, although he admitted that the development of this last match required more than expected.

"At times it was difficult for us to have the long possessions that we want. They didn't hurt us either but it was a very tight game where we had to play very quickly," he said.

Messi also made reference to one of the most complex moments of the night: the missed penalty at the start of the match. The Argentine acknowledged the mistake and highlighted the team's subsequent reaction.

“Today there were moments when I was very angry about the penalty I missed, I kicked it very badly, but luckily we were able to reverse that situation, take the advantage and keep the three points, which is the most important thing.”

Asked if he saw any favorites to win the tournament, he avoided making comparisons and responded: "I don't have favorites, now I'm tired from today's effort and the truth is that it's hard for me to think."

He also left a reflection on the atmosphere that the Argentine group experiences during the competition and the bond with its fans.

"When this group gets together for official competitions or friendlies, they enjoy training and everyday life. They also enjoy seeing people like this, giving them joy, and we will continue trying to give it to them."

Despite the record achieved and the perfect start for the Albiceleste, Messi made it clear that the journey is just beginning. “This is step by step, it is long, difficult,” considered the Argentine captain regarding the path that lies ahead in the World Cup.