World Cup 2022: Messi Looks to Equal Batistuta’s Goal Scoring Record

• Lionel Messi could break Gabriel Batistuta's record when Argentina take on the Netherlands
• The veteran is just one goal behind Batistuta’s record of 10 goals for the South Americans
• Messi has already surpassed the record of the legendary Maradona with three goals in Qatar

Argentina captain Lionel Messi is hoping to match his country's World Cup goal scoring feat when they cross swords with the Netherlands on Friday.

The 35-year-old will lead his teammates in a cracking clash against the European powerhouse at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, with the winner advancing to the semis.

The Argentine phenomenon is now looking to level Gabriel Batistuta's record at the tournament in Qatar, Sports Mole reports.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar has notched nine goals across five tournaments since he made his debut at the Mundial in 2006. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is now looking to equal and surpass Batistuta's national record of 10 goals.

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Messi has scored 3 goals so far at the ongoing tournament in Qatar and has been one of the best players of the competition so far.

He is currently tied in second in the top scorers' race, behind his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe, who has scored five goals in four games.

World Cups: Argentina vs Netherlands

The South American giants famously recorded a 3-1 triumph over the Netherlands to win the 1978 FIFA World Cup final in Buenos Aires.

The two powerhouses met again in a 1998 World Cup quarter-finals clash in Paris, with Arsenal legend Denis Bergkamp scoring a sublime goal in a 2-1 win for the Dutch.

Eight years ago in Brazil, La Albiceleste clinched a penalty shoot-out victory to book their place in the final of the Mundial.

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Ibrahimovic backs Messi

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has thrown his weight behind Messi as the World Cup gets into its most unforgiving stage.

Ibrahimovic and Messi shared the Barcelona dressing room from 2009 and 2010. The Swede's times at La Blaugrana was not eventful as he failed to see eye to eye with Pep Guardiola.

If they go past Louis Van Gaal's charges, Argentina will face either Croatia or Brazil in the semi-finals. One of England, France, Morocco or Portugal awaits in the final if they make it through.

De Paul disrupts Messi's interview

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Argentina World Cup camp is bubbling at the moment and team spirit is at a high.

La Albiceleste are already through to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Messi playing a key role in getting the South American champions this far.

The 35-year-old experienced a bizarre moment while doing an online interview with former teammate Sergio Aguero, ahead of the quarterfinal clash with the Netherlands.