Yashasvi Jaiswal Supports Argentina in FIFA World Cup While Eyeing ODI Comeback
Jaiswal Shows Support for Argentina
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the talented batter from India and Rajasthan Royals (RR), was spotted at the FIFA World Cup match where Argentina faced Jordan.
His IPL team shared images on their official Instagram account, showcasing Jaiswal in the iconic white and blue striped jersey of Lionel Messi, the number 10 of the reigning champions. The post humorously referenced his jersey number 64 for the Indian team, stating, "Round of 32 mein humara 64: Present sir".
Jaiswal's Recent Performance in Cricket
Currently, Jaiswal has not been included in the ODI squad for the upcoming series against England, which kicks off on July 14.
In the recent home series against Afghanistan, he participated in two matches, scoring 4 runs in one and an impressive 110* in the other. He stepped in as a replacement for Virat Kohli, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury but is expected to return for the ODIs in England after passing fitness tests in Bengaluru.
Throughout six ODIs, Jaiswal has accumulated 285 runs, boasting an average of 71.25 and a strike rate of 97.60, including two centuries with a top score of 110*.
Prior to this, he had a commendable season with RR, contributing 427 runs in 16 matches at an average of 30.50, with a strike rate of 152.60, including three fifties and a highest score of 77*.
Argentina's Strong Group Stage Performance
Argentina has arrived in Miami for their round of 32 FIFA World Cup match against Cabo Verde, scheduled for Saturday.
The team kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed by a 2-0 win against Austria, and concluded the group stage with a 3-1 triumph over Jordan.
Messi's Historic Achievements
In the decisive match against Jordan, which Argentina won 3-1, Messi scored two goals.
He made history by becoming the first male player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.
Additionally, Messi is now one of only four players to score in all three group-stage matches of a single World Cup since the format's inception in 1998, joining the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo (2018), David Villa (2010), and Fernando Torres (2010).
His record-breaking streak began with a hat-trick against Algeria in the opening Group J match, followed by a brace against Austria.
Although he was initially rested for the final group game against Jordan, Messi came off the bench in the 60th minute and sealed the victory with a signature free-kick in the 80th minute, extending his remarkable scoring streak to seven consecutive World Cup appearances.
This goal also raised Messi's total to 19 FIFA World Cup goals, further solidifying his status as Argentina's all-time leading scorer in the tournament.