At 1 a.m., Messi aims for 11 major achievements; his appearance alone sets three records, potentially claiming the all-time top scorer and assist leader titles.

At 1 a.m. Beijing time on June 23, a highly anticipated Group J encounter of the World Cup will take place. The reigning champions Argentina take on strong European side Austria. Having both won their first games, the winner of this clash will advance one round early. For the 38-year-old Argentine king Messi, this match presents another genuine "record showdown."

Messi will achieve three major records simply by playing against Austria. First, with 28 World Cup appearances, he will further solidify his lead atop the all-time appearance list, widening the gap over Matthäus (25 games).

Second, Messi will captain his team for the 21st time in a World Cup, extending his lead over Marcos (17) and Maradona (16).

Third, Messi has already played 2,394 minutes in World Cups. Another appearance in the second round will increase his margin over second-place Maldini.

If Messi scores or assists against Austria, he will break five additional records. After a hat-trick in the opening match against Algeria, Messi is tied with Klose at 16 goals atop the World Cup all-time scoring list. A goal here would give him sole possession of that honor.

Second, Messi would score in six consecutive World Cup matches, matching the streaks of Brazil's Jairzinho (all in 1970) and France's Just Fontaine (all in 1958). Should he find the net in both games against Austria and Jordan, he would become the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches.

Third, if Messi provides an assist, he will become the only player in World Cup history to have assisted in six consecutive tournaments. Behind him are Pelé, Grzegorz Lato, Maradona, and Beckham, each with assists in three World Cups.

Fourth, if Messi puts up two assists against Austria, he will become the all-time World Cup assist leader with 10! Since 1966, Messi and Maradona have been tied for first with 8 assists each.

However, going back before 1966, according to The Athletic and Transfermarkt, 1954 World Cup champion and German captain Fritz Walter, as well as 1958 & 1962 World Cup champion Brazilian midfielder Waldir Pereira, each recorded 9 assists in World Cups.

Fifth, Messi has directly contributed to 24 goals (16 goals, 8 assists) in 27 World Cup appearances. The next best players have contributed 20 goals each. If he scores or assists against Austria, Messi will further extend his lead.

If Messi leads Argentina to victory over Austria, he will set two more records. First, with 18 wins, he will surpass Klose to become the player with the most World Cup victories.

Second, Messi will help Argentina advance from the group stage for the sixth consecutive World Cup, never having been eliminated in the group phase in his entire World Cup career. Previously, Messi has participated in 33 group stages at both club and national team levels, advancing to the knockout rounds every time.

Finally, if Messi is again named the official man of the match in this game, he will earn the award for the 13th time in 28 World Cup appearances, setting a new record and leading the all-time list by a significant margin.