Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, etched his name further into World Cup history on Tuesday, scoring two goals against Austria to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. His brace in Dallas secured a 2-0 victory for the reigning champions, guaranteeing their progression to the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star’s first goal, a delightful left-footed finish, marked his 17th in World Cup competitions, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who held the previous record with 16. Messi then added an 18th in stoppage time, a powerful strike that sealed the win and underscored his relentless form at the tournament.
Despite his historic achievement, the match began with a rare misstep for Messi. In the ninth minute, he missed a penalty, sending his shot wide of Alexander Schlager’s post. However, the 38-year-old quickly shrugged off the disappointment, demonstrating the resilience that has defined his illustrious career. He soon turned playmaker, orchestrating Argentina’s attacks and creating numerous opportunities for his teammates.
Messi’s opening goal came after a clever build-up, with Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina involved before Messi cushioned the ball past Schlager. His deeper role in the second half caused significant problems for the organised Austrian defence, managed by Ralf Rangnick, as Messi knitted together Argentina’s attacking plays and almost added to his tally before his late second.
The victory ensures Argentina top Group J and have comfortably secured their passage to the knockout stages, maintaining their strong start as they aim to defend their World Cup title. Messi’s record-breaking performance will undoubtedly be celebrated globally, further solidifying his status as one of football's greatest.