On June 22, 2026, Lionel Messi scored a historic second goal against Austria to become the highest World Cup goal scorer ever. The moment was so massive that it even caught the attention of a former NFL quarterback, who could not hide his admiration.

After the game, Robert Griffin III expressed his thoughts on Messi's achievement on X.

"Lionel Messi is the Michael Jordan of Football. No one compares to him," Griffin III posted via X on June 22, 2026. 

Messi’s two goals brought his WC total up to 18 World Cup goals. : He surpassed Miroslav Klose's 16 World Cup goals (Men's record) and Marta's 17 (Women's record).

Messi took a penalty shot in the 7th minute but missed. He made up for his blunder with his unbothered left-footer shot in the 38th minute, scoring his first goal, and then scored again in the 90th minute.

With Argentina now advancing to the Round of 32, Messi has now scored a total of five goals with Argentina during the group stage of this World Cup.

The bold comparison Griffin III draws with Michael Jordan transcends soccer. As a U.S. athlete drawing a comparison from basketball's most famous global figure, Griffin III was expressing Messi's greatness in terms that even a greater audience could understand.

At 38, Messi is still shattering records and leading Argentina deep into the tournament, and Griffin III makes a good point. Messi's record and accomplishments have gotten to the point where you just can't argue he's the GOAT of soccer.

Angry Messi Turns Penalty Miss into World Cup Record Night

Just seven minutes in, Messi missed a penalty, but he converted that missed opportunity into an unprecedented performance.

Messi commented on the missed penalty that sailed past the right pole right after the game ended.

"Today there was a moment where I was very angry about the penalty because I missed and I struck it very badly," Messi told reporters at his post-match press conference at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Austria was a tough opponent and had a couple more chances, but Messi's second put the game beyond doubt. In the previous game, they had scored three against Algeria with Messi completing a hat-trick.

"Luckily we were able to turn the situation around, take the lead and take three very important points," he added later in the same conference.  

Argentina has the prospect of finishing at the top of Group J with a final group game against Jordan remaining.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote