Lionel Messi solidified his claim as the greatest football player of all-time in this year's World Cup. In their quest to defend their title, the Argentinian legend is starting off strong. He's already scored five goals in two games: a hat trick against Algeria and a brace today against Austria to send Argentina to the knockout stages. Messi's performance against Austria also gave him the record for most goals in World Cup history.

Messi's World Cup performance is the talk of the town, and for good reason. Many have pointed out that Argentina's play style seems to be entirely focused on getting their superstar goals. While this is an unorthodox strategy, to say the least, at least one former football star seems to think that it's a symbiotic relationship between Messi and Argentina.

Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave his analysis of Messi and Argentina's performances in the World Cup. Zlatan notes that the reason Argentina's Messi-centric system works is because the legend is repaying the faith that his team and his nation is giving him. It's that system that allows the star to perform at a high level even at his advanced age, but Messi is also holding up his end of the bargain by delivering when it matters.

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After winning the World Cup in 2022, Messi is gunning for the elusive back-to-back championships. Only two teams have won back-to-back World Cups: Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Argentina is looking to avoid the same fate that France, the team they beat in 2022 for the crown, had: losing in the Finals of their second back-to-back World Cup appearance.

Argentina has now secured a spot in the Round of 32, joining the United States, Mexico, and Germany. They still have a final game in the group stages against Jordan. It will be interesting to see what their approach to this game is now that they've qualified for the knockout stages.