By Victor Kanayo
PSG star Lionel Messi has now equalled fellow Argentinian icon Diego Maradona in number of World Cup appearances.
This is after he scored his second goal against Mexico in the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Saturday, extending his run of six consecutive Argentina appearances with at least one goal, and took his overall tally to eight World Cup goals.
Not only is Messi now level with Maradona, and second all-time for Argentina behind only Gabriel Batistuta (10 goals), he has also pulled alongside other footballing luminaries like Rivaldo, Rudi Voller and his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
After scoring the opening goal of Argentina’s campaign in Qatar against Saudi Arabia, Messi appeared poised for a successful swansong in what will surely be his final World Cup.
With their backs to the wall against Mexico, Argentina produced an unimpressive opening hour but just after the hour mark, Messi struck to lift the match and give his country hope.
Defeat against Mexico would have sealed elimination at the group stage, but Messi’s goal means that Argentina live to fight another day.
The Albiceleste face Poland in their final group match, knowing that victory will assure them of progress to the next round, while a draw may be enough if the other match in the group goes their way.
Should Argentina advance, they will face one of France, Australia, Denmark or Tunisia.
Meanwhile, clubless Cristiano Ronaldo hosted his Portugal teammates to a dinner at the World Cup in Qatar as he puts the drama surrounding his Manchester United exit behind him.
The newest addition to the free agent market scored from the penalty spot in Portugal’s opening 3-2 victory over Ghana in his first match since his unceremonious exit from Old Trafford.
Frustration had mounted throughout the build-up to the World Cup and during the tournament so far with how Ronaldo’s club issues have dominated the news over Portugal’s bid to win their first World Cup.
The Portugal team have put on a united front after they were pictured together for dinner, deciding to spend their time together after Fernando Santos gave them a break away from training.
It showed a spirit of unity within the team, with the only missing players being those with relatives in Qatar, such as Jose Sa, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva, who decided to spend time with their loved ones.
United pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were among those pictured with the squad on their night out.
According to El Espanol, Ronaldo took his team-mates out for dinner at the recently opened Tatel de Doha restaurant on Al Maha Island – which the 37-year-old star has links with.
Portugal could seal their place in the Round of 16 if they beat Uruguay on Monday November 28, 2022.
