Peter Schmeichel has claimed that Lionel Messi's record-breaking World Cup goal against Austria should have been disallowed because of a foul by Alexis Mac Allister earlier in the move. The Argentina captain scored his 17th World Cup goal to surpass Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in the tournament's history, but the former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper insists VAR should have intervened.
Schmeichel's VAR Criticism
Speaking to Fox Sports, Schmeichel said: "I don't think that goal should have stood. Think about how they get the penalty, this is a kick from behind through Xaver Schlager. This is a free kick, Mac Allister has kicked the player down. That should have been a free-kick. VAR should have taken that back. That is a clear and obvious mistake by the referee. And for that I feel a little bit frustrated."
Schmeichel's comments came after Messi capped off a superb team move to fire Argentina ahead against Austria, netting his 17th World Cup goal. However, the Danish legend believes Mac Allister's challenge on Schlager in the build-up should have resulted in a free-kick to Austria, thus nullifying the goal.
Messi's Record and Reaction
Even if the goal had been disallowed, it would scarcely have mattered, with the 38-year-old also finding the net in stoppage time to secure a brace. Reflecting on his record-breaking performance, Messi said: "I'm tired and I'm running on fumes. It's hard to think. But I'm enjoying this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates. It's been spectacular how it has all unfolded. I had the penalty, which could have increased my tally or not. But perhaps the others wouldn't have come, you never know. I'm happy with the team."
Teammate Julian Alvarez was equally effusive in his admiration. He said: "He continues to demonstrate, even at his age, that he has the talent and all his magic. There's not much to say. We all see it, he's the best in the world. It gives us peace of mind for what's to come. This is the World Cup, everything is very close and very intense. That's why we're happy to have earned six points and already secured qualification."
Messi's Penalty Miss and Group Stage Outlook
Yet it was not entirely plain sailing for Messi, despite the veteran etching his name further into the history books. He had a gilt-edged opportunity to claim the record outright early on after Argentina were awarded a penalty, only to fire his effort wide of the mark. Messi and Argentina will face Jordan in their final group stage fixture, having already booked their place in the next round. They could be confirmed as group winners before morning should Jordan fail to overcome Algeria.
