Lionel Messi has come out top of a bizarre statistic after his side kept themselves in the competition with a scrappy win over Mexico on Saturday night.
Messi scored the opening goal of what had until that point been a tame affair, providing a moment of quality as he fired home from 25 yards out, taking him to two goals for the tournament, level with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ferran Torres and Richarlison in joint third-place for the golden boot.
One Last Dance. One Man. Greatest Game. Greatest Player! 🐐🇦🇷#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/s5zMVsD8Ns
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 26, 2022
However, it was another statistic that the 35-year-old Argentine topped, with Messi now becoming the player who has walked the most at the tournament as it stands. So often seen standing still or walking on the pitch in an attempt to find and utilise space left by others running, he has walked almost five kilometres across the Albiceleste’s first two group games.
He will not remain there for long, with Mohammed Salisu just 100m behind having played one game less, while four Englishman also appear on the list with Jordan Pickford topping the four Lions.
Watched Lionel Messi walk his way to deliver “euphoria” for Argentina against Mexico last night…🚶♂️https://t.co/YmCHRZkTQf pic.twitter.com/tMn01I5QMf
— Laura Williamson (@lmwilliamson7) November 27, 2022
Argentina halfway there
Following their 2-1 shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, Argentina were living on a prayer, needing two wins from their final two games to go through. With Saudi Arabia losing to Poland, Argentina can top their group still with a win over Poland, provided that Saudi Arabia do not beat Mexico by two more goals than Messi and co. can manage against Robert Lewandowski and his teammates, which would see the middle eastern outfit through on goals scored.
Pre-tournament favourites, Argentina have flattered to deceive thus far, but will be hoping that they can kick into gear later on in the tournament. They must get a result against group-leaders Poland first, however.
