Lionel Messi draws level with two Cristiano Ronaldo records during first-half vs Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi wasted no time in opening his account for the 2022 World Cup.

The 35-year-old took just 10 minutes to get his name on the scoresheet as he netted from the penalty spot.

Following one of several VAR interventions in the first-half, Argentina were awarded a penalty for a foul on Leandro Paredes in the box.

Messi then calmly slotted the ball home to score the only goal of the first-half against Saudi Arabia.

The goal makes him just the fourth player and first Argentine to score at four separate World Cups.

He joins the list of Pelé, Uwe Seeler, Miroslav Klose and Cristiano Ronaldo to have done so.

It was also his seventh World Cup goal which draws him level with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The two legends are almost certainly playing their final World Cups and will be desperate to outdo the other.

Ronaldo’s World Cup campaign starts with Portugal facing Ghana on Thursday.

There is such excitement around Argentina and Messi at the World Cup this year as one of the world’s greatest players has been in mercurial form this season.

He has been back to his very best in Paris this season firing PSG to the top of Ligue 1 and into the Champions League Round of 16.

Argentina have had plenty of chances to kill the game in the first-half with three goals disallowed for offside.

Saudi Arabia have looked to get forward too which has allowed Aregtina chances but also put some slight pressure on the Albiceleste’s back line.

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