Lionel Messi spotted in deep conversation with Austria star after setting World Cup record

Lionel Messi was spotted in deep conversation with Marcel Sabitzer after he became the leading World Cup goalscorer in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria - and everyone has the same theory over what he was talking about.

Messi netted his 17th career goal at World Cups in the first half at the Dallas Stadium, breaking Miroslav Klose's all-time record.

His left-footed, first-time shot from just inside the area found the bottom corner of the net, with Messi celebrating in the same corner that Argentina supporters were situated.

While minute 38 was the magic number as far as the record was concerned, he then made it 2-0 in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time to add further gloss to the scoreline.

READ MORE: What Miroslav Klose told Lionel Messi days before his World Cup goalscoring record was broken

It is a match that will go down in history for the 38-year-old, who has now already netted five goals in just two World Cup matches this summer after his hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria.

That means he remains intact as Argentina's only goalscorer so far at the tournament.

As soon as the full-time whistle blew in Dallas, Messi was congratulated by several Austrian players - but one appeared to be slightly more animated than others.

As Sabitzer walked across to meet Messi, the Argentina legend appeared to make a hand gesture towards his opponent, with Sabitzer smiling before replying in kind.

The Austria midfielder then nodded his head at Messi's response - who had made a second gesture - before the pair went their separate ways.

Although what the pair said wasn't exactly clear, BBC presenter Gabby Logan suggested that Sabitzer will have been asking to receive Messi's shirt on what was a momentous occasion.

Messi, though, didn't appear particularly willing to give it away, as he was still wearing it as he walked back to the dressing room.

Marcel Sabitzer approached Messi immediately after Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria (Image: BBC)

And fans took to social media to make exactly the same point - suggesting Sabitzer's apparent resigned expression gave it away.

One wrote: "Sabitzer's first instinct is to go secure Messi's jersey."

Another joked: "Sabitzer asking for that Messi jersey. Brother, that shirt is worth millions after today."

A third opined: "Don't think Messi will be giving away that shirt."

While a fourth wrote: "Sabitzer asking for Messi's jersey, and pretending to be disappointed after losing just so he doesn't come off as a fan."

And a fifth said: "Sabitzer trying to get Messi's shirt HE IS SO REAL!!!"

Messi equals second little-known World Cup record

While all the focus will clearly be on Messi becoming the leading World Cup goalscorer, he can break yet another incredible record during Argentina's final group stage match against Jordan on Sunday.

Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, equalling the record jointly held by France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho.

Fontaine scored 13 goals during the 1958 World Cup, in which France finished third, while Jairzinho netted in consecutive matches at the 1970 World Cup, which Brazil won.

Messi's goals, of course, have been spread across two World Cups, thanks to his incredible performances that led to Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup.

Whether he can repeat that success this summer remains to be seen - but if anyone can do it, Messi can.