“What we’re witnessing right now is truly very special”: Rice lauds Messi after brace makes him World Cup’s all-time top scorer | OneFootball

Declan Rice has said football is witnessing something 'truly very special' with Lionel Messi's performances at the World Cup.

Messi made history on Monday evening after scoring both goals inArgentina's 2-0 win over Austria. The Argentine's brace took him to 18 career goals at the World Cup, surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the tournament's all-time record scorer outright.

Messi's double against Austria following a hat-trick in Argentina's opening game, as the world champions thrashed Algeria.

As a result, the 38-year-old is leading the race for the World Cup Golden Boot with five goals from two games, ahead of France forward Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland.

Messi was named the Player of the Tournament as Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and has started superbly as La Albiceleste look to defend their crown.

Rice has heaped praise on Messi, with theArsenal and England midfielder admitting the veteran's performances are 'special'.

“Lionel Messi, I think what we're witnessing right now is truly very special and what he's doing at this age is unbelievable,"Rice said.

“As a football fan, a football enthusiast and also as a footballer, watching him is an incredible pleasure."