World Cup 2022: Batistuta Hopeful Messi Surpasses His World Cup Record

• Gabriel Batistuta hopes to see Lionel Messi surpass his World Cup top scorer record
• Messi is just one goal behind equalling Batistuta’s record of 10 goals for Argentina
• Messi has already surpassed the record of Diego Maradona with three goals in Qatar

Gabriel Batistuta says he will be delighted to relinquish his record of being Argentina’s top scorer at the FIFA World Cup to Lionel Messi.

Messi, who has scored a total of 9 goals playing in five FIFA World Cup tournaments for La Albiceleste, is bidding to eclipse Batistuta’s 20-year-old record of 10 goals.

According to Sportskeeda, Batistuta said he has enjoyed his reign as Argentina’s all-time top scorer at the World Cup, but is now willing to pass that mantle on to Messi.

“It's a record I've had for 20 years and I've enjoyed it. Now it's fair that someone else gets it and if that other one is called Messi, he will be welcome."

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Messi has already bagged three goals so far in the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and is widely tipped to equal Batistuta’s record when the South Americans take on the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Argentina fans bow to Messi

Meanwhile, after Messi played another amazing game against Australia at the 2022 World Cup, Argentina fans couldn't help but express their adoration for him, Caught Offside reports.

La Albiceleste booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after a 2-1 win against Australia at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.

Both teams played a lacklustre first half, until the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had a moment of brilliance that let him score the game's first goal in the 35th minute.

Netherlands supporters troll Lionel Messi

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported the Netherlands will take on Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, and the Dutch fans are up for the challenge.

Fans of the Oranje believe they have enough to deal with the Copa America champions, and aren't particularly worried about what Messi brings to the table.

Goal recently shared a hilarious video of Dutch fans being quizzed about the upcoming game, especially their thoughts on Messi.