Irrepressible Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina beat Austria

It had to be Lionel Messi, it had to be on this day and perhaps it even needed to be in Dallas too. History was made in the way he knows best, a clinical left-footed flourish setting him out on his own as the World Cup’s highest goalscorer of all time. Another followed with the game’s final action and at this rate 18 may even seem a modest figure a month from now. Messi has already scored five goals in two games, all but guaranteeing that Argentina will win Group J. A first golden boot would not be the worst present for an icon who turns 39 on Wednesday. The record-breaking moment was one for the ages. It came 40 years to the day since Diego Maradona felled England via infamous hand and enthralling slalom. Had there ever really been any doubt? Quite a bit, actually, in the minutes after Messi improbably missed the target with an early penalty. That, in itself, was a pinch-me moment of sorts. The real thing arrived seven minutes before half-time and perhaps it slayed a few ghosts too. This is the city where, to long-festering chagrin, Maradona played his final international match – at USA 94 – before being banned for ephedrine doping. The current vintage, playing in their natural state, were not entirely convincing against a competent Austria team who will prove a handful for anyone they might meet in the last 32. Ultimately their defence was rarely exposed and, further upfield, they profited from the presence of genius. …