Even with a blueprint to stop him, Austria couldn't handle the maestro as he struck twice to make World Cup history. Photo: IANS
He knew what Lionel Messi was going to do and had a plan to stop it — and then the Argentina captain struck twice anyway to become the leading scorer in Fifa World Cup history.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick may not be all that fondly remembered by Manchester United fans, where he pitched up in 2021/22. But at 67-years old the German coach is vastly experienced and also widely admired in football.
Rangnick has revived the Austrian team since taking over in 2022, and they beat debutants Jordan 3-1 to launch their World Cup last week in North America. Talking ahead of his side's group match on Monday against reigning champions Argentina in Texas, Rangnick spoke about the latest iteration of Messi, who turns 39-years old on Wednesday.
"Lionel Messi maybe doesn't put in the same legwork as in the past," said Rangnick.
