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How do you describe the indescribable? How do you put into words something that defies language itself? That was the predicament facing Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez after Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria at Dallas Stadium — both wearing the same expression of bewildered amazement, shaking their heads with disbelieving grins as they tried to process the latest chapter of Lionel Messi's superhuman World Cup saga. The Argentine talisman had just smashed the all-time scoring record with his 17th and 18th World Cup goals while equalling Just Fontaine's legendary streak of finding the net in six consecutive matches. Mac Allister, the midfielder who shares the pitch with greatness every time he pulls on the Albiceleste shirt, could barely articulate what he witnesses on a daily basis. "There are no words to describe what he does," the Liverpool man confessed. "Obviously, he's small, but whenever you watch him, it's a dream. And today, being able to experience it first-hand, I'm really enjoying it. The other day, I heard my dad say that it's one thing to watch him from the stands, and another to watch him on TV. And I'd say it's something else entirely to watch him out on the field, right there with the rest of them. The things he does are simply incredible. The way he reacts at the last moment to whatever's happening." Alvarez was equally spellbound, admitting: "I don't even know what to say. It's impressive. Honestly, there aren't many more words to add. We see it every day, so many years showing off his magic, his talent. He's the greatest of all time and we just try to enjoy him every time." Yet this was far from a stroll in the park for Messi and his comrades. The Inter Miami icon fluffed his lines from the penalty spot early on, and Austria's relentless pressing made life miserable for long stretches. Still, when the moment demanded greatness, Messi delivered — as he always does — propelling the defending champions another step closer to back-to-back titles. "This match was very difficult, and we need to keep going down this path, preparing ourselves, pushing hard like we've been doing, to keep moving forward," Messi declared. The pursuit of destiny continues.
