Argentina reached the World Cup knock-out stage as Messi made his 22nd appearance in the tournament.
Lionel Messi says Diego Maradona “would be super happy” for him for breaking an all-time Argentina record.
Messi became Argentina’s most-capped player in the World Cup by playing for the Albiceleste against Poland.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner missed a penalty in the first half. But that couldn’t ruin his evening as Argentina defeated their opponents 2-0, reaching the last-16 round as the group leaders.
Asked about breaking Maradona’s World Cup record, Messi said: “I only learned about this record recently.
“It’s a pleasure to be able to continue achieving these kinds of records.
“I think Diego would be super happy for me because he’s always showed me a lot of affection. He was always happy when things went well for me.”
Messi hopes to end Argentina’s wait to win the World Cup after 36 years. Following a shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia, the Albiceleste seem to have regained their best form in Qatar.
“After the first goal, everything went our way,” Messi said of his side’s win over Poland.
“We started doing again what we had been trying to do since the start of the World Cup, but which we hadn’t been able to achieve for various reasons.
“Having been able to do it today, it gives us confidence for the future.”
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