One more strike against Austria would break Klose's mark and could put Messi alongside Jairzinho and Just Fontaine as the only players to score in six consecutive World Cup matches. At 38, the Argentine No. 10 already set a World Cup appearances record in the 2022 final.
Kylian Mbappe and France face Iraq later on the same slate. Mbappe scored twice against Senegal after a slow first hour, and France may lean on Michael Olise in a deeper playmaking role after that second half shift worked. Any Messi milestone could be short lived if Mbappe cuts loose against Iraq, who conceded two goals, five shots and 1.95 xG to Erling Haaland in Norway's opener.
Elsewhere on the card, Haaland's Norway meet Senegal in Group I, while Jordan and Algeria both arrive needing a response after conceding three goals apiece in their openers.
