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ANI Photo | Indian footballer Jhingan hails Messi after record-breaking World Cup goals
Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan praised Argentina’s Lionel Messi for becoming the top goal-scorer in FIFA World Cup history, calling it a feat that was destined for him. Speaking on June 23, Jhingan also commended Argentina’s strong defensive performance in the tournament.
Messi became the leading goal-scorer at the FIFA World Cup with 18 goals after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria. Argentina has advanced to the round of 32. Jhingan, serving as an expert for Zee 5 during FIFA World Cup 2026, noted that Messi achieved the record on the same day that Argentina’s late great Diego Maradona scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 tournament quarter-final.
“I think it is an incredible achievement. Sometimes, how we say in football, it comes written from above. I think it was destined for him. In 1986, Maradona scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal against England, the same day, which was one of the best goals in World Cup history. Breaking the record on the same day and scoring 18 goals, I think it was incredible. And also, more than that, it is a great achievement for Argentina. They have qualified for the next round,” he said.
Jhingan also highlighted the solidity of Argentina’s defence throughout the tournament and preceding matches. “Also, for their defence, I think a lot of people do not acknowledge it or don’t appreciate it enough. But they are a very solid team defensively. In the last 9 matches, they have scored around 25 goals, I think, 25-26. And they conceded only once. So, I think Argentina is looking very strong. And of course, when you have a talisman like Messi, it is just a joy to watch them, and see how they are doing. And I am sure the country will be very happy and proud,” he added.
Messi’s two goals not only secured Argentina’s victory over Austria but also surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals. Additionally, Messi equalled the record of France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho by scoring in six consecutive World Cup matches. He also set a new record for the most match wins by a player in FIFA World Cup history, exceeding Klose’s 17 with his 18th win.
According to OptaJoe, Messi is the second player to score his country’s first five goals in a single World Cup edition, alongside Oleg Salenko for Russia in 1994. Approaching his 39th birthday, Messi recorded 71 touches on the ball during the match, becoming the oldest striker since 1966 to have over 50 touches in a World Cup game.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is available live and exclusively on ZEE5 in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.
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TNM (With ANI Inputs)
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TNM (With ANI Inputs)
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TNM (With ANI Inputs)
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Home » Sports » Indian footballer Jhingan hails Messi after record-breaking World Cup goals
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This story is written by TNM Bureau with inputs from ANI. The News Mill is a Guwahati-based digital media with focus on content from across Northeast India and beyond. We can be reached through [email protected]
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