Slower, smarter, greater? Why football’s greats are lavishing praise on Lionel Messi this World Cup

In Argentina’s second match, Lionel Messi scored twice to become the all-time leading goalscorer in men's World Cup history ahead of his 39th birthday on June 24.

After missing a penalty, Messi first scored in the 38th minute to surpass German Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals and then scored another in the stoppage time to set the record at 18 goals.

While there’s been no shortage of praise for him over the decades of his career, many football experts have pointed out that the version of Messi we’re seeing in this World Cup is something special.

For Messi, though, it was just another day at the office.