Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has criticized the referee for allowing Lionel Messi’s record-breaking goal in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Schmeichel believes there was a foul on Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager in the build-up to the goal and says the referee should have stopped play before Messi scored.
Speaking on FOX Sports, the Danish football legend said the challenge on Schlager was clear and should have resulted in a free kick for Austria. He also questioned why the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene.
“I don’t think the goal should have stood,” Schmeichel said. “There was a kick from behind on Xaver Schlager before Argentina entered the penalty area. That is a foul and should have been given as a free kick.
“VAR should have informed the referee. In my opinion, it was a clear mistake and I’m disappointed that the goal was allowed.”
Messi had earlier missed a penalty but later opened the scoring in the 39th minute. The goal saw him surpass Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history.
The Argentina captain scored again late in the match to seal a 2-0 victory for his side. His two goals took his World Cup tally to 18, extending his lead as the competition’s all-time top scorer.
Argentina’s victory strengthened their position in the tournament, while Messi continued to add to his remarkable list of records on football’s biggest stage.
Despite the controversy, Messi went on to make history in the match. He first missed a penalty but later scored in the 39th minute to break the World Cup all-time goals record, moving ahead of Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
Messi added another goal later in the game to secure Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria. His two goals took his World Cup total to 18, making him the highest goalscorer in the tournament’s history.
The match ended with Argentina celebrating another win, but Schmeichel’s comments sparked debate over whether the first goal should have been allowed to stand.
