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Former France international Olivier Giroud has said Argentina players are ready to lay down their lives for inspirational captain Lionel Messi.
Messi continued his impressive scoring streak at this year’s FIFA World Cup, as he netted a brace which helped Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in their second group fixture on Monday.
The first goal against Austria made Messi the all-time top scorer in the history of the World Cup on 17 goals, breaking former Germany international Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals (Messi netted a second against Austria to take his tally to 18).
He has now scored five goals in the 2026 World Cup having bagged a hat-trick in the 3-0 win against Algeria in their opening group match.
The reigning World Cup champions have booked their place in the round of 32 with a game to spare.
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Reacting on the influence Messi has on his teammates Giroud, who helped France win the 2018 World Cup title, told the BBC:”Lionel Messi has got the players around him just looking for him. They play for him and that’s a huge honour for them! They have so much respect for him, it’s such a privilege for them to play with him.
“They are ready to die on the pitch for him and give everything to get another World Cup back-to-back. He is more decisive than ever.
“Lionel Messi is getting better and better with age. Five goals for Argentina in two games, the only scorer. He is always in the right place at the right time. He is in the middle to create and dictate the game.”
Messi can look to extend his record in his team’s final group game with minnows Jordan.
