“I don’t spend time thinking about my age”. Lionel Messi’s message before turning 39 after rewriting history World Cup Football News:

Lionel Messi insists that he is not focused on his age and is only concerned with staying fit after rewriting the FIFA World Cup record books just two days before his 39th birthday.The Argentina captain scored twice in a 2-0 win over Austria in Texas, becoming the oldest goalscorer in men’s World Cup history while also setting a new record for the most wins by any player at the tournament.Messi’s first-half strike saw him surpass German great Miroslav Klose’s tally of 16 World Cup goals, while his stoppage-time effort took his total to 18 goals. The win also gave Messi his 18th World Cup win, surpassing Klose’s previous record of 17 victories.

‘I just focus on the good’

With his 39th birthday approaching on June 24, Messi made it clear that thoughts about age do not occupy his mind.“I don’t spend time thinking about my age. I’m simply focused on being well,” Messi told reporters after the game. “I felt good physically, and maybe that’s why I played better.”The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also said he was unsure whether he would feature in Argentina’s final Group J clash against Jordan after the defending champions sealed qualification for the Round of 32.“The manager (Lionel Scaloni) will decide if I play or not, or how much I play,” Messi said. “I feel good and happy to be part of this group, which always competes no matter who the opponent is and never relaxes.”

Missed penalty ‘affected us a bit’

Messi’s night started on a disappointing note after he missed a sixth minute penalty. He admitted that the setback disrupted Argentina’s rhythm.Messi said the missed opportunity affected the team “a little”.“We missed two or three clear chances,” he said. “We controlled the game, but the ball just wasn’t going in. Then we were able to recover, playing intense, intense football.”“The team competes, and competes very much. We can play better or worse, but there is no doubt that we will compete every game in the same way, no matter who the opponent is,” he added.The brace also made Messi only the second player after Klose to score four or more goals in three different World Cups and lifted him to the top of the scoring charts in the ongoing tournament with five goals in two games.