Lionel Messi wrote another golden chapter in World Cup history on Monday as his brace against Austria made him the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer and sent holders Argentina into the last 32.
The Argentine captain, who turns 39 on Wednesday, scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals to move two ahead of Germany legend Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals between 2002 and 2014.
Messi Makes History In Dallas
Messi’s record-breaking moment came in the 38th minute of the Group J clash in Dallas.
Facundo Medina pulled the ball back into the penalty area, Thiago Almada cleverly allowed it to run through his legs, and Messi swept home a first-time finish from just inside the box.
It was another trademark finish from the Inter Miami forward, who continues to defy age on football’s biggest stage.
Missed Penalty Fails To Spoil Historic Night
Messi could have broken the record earlier after Argentina were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute.
The spot-kick was given after Stefan Posch fouled Lautaro Martinez, with Xaver Schlager also involved in the challenge.
But Messi fired his effort wide, delaying the historic moment.
The miss did not shake Argentina’s captain, who recovered to put his side ahead before half-time and later sealed the win in stoppage time.
Late Goal Seals Argentina Victory
Messi’s second goal came deep into added time after Julian Alvarez had been denied by Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
The Argentine star collected the ball from a tight angle and fired past two Austrian defenders to complete his double.
The goal took Messi to five goals in two matches at the 2026 World Cup, following his hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in their opening fixture.
Martinez Saves Argentina
Austria, managed by former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick, had a major chance to level the game before Messi’s late strike.
Marcel Sabitzer, making his 100th international appearance, hit a powerful free-kick, but Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a fine save to keep Argentina in front.
The save proved vital as Argentina held on before Messi finished off the contest.
Argentina Join Last 32
The victory moved Argentina to six points from two matches and confirmed their place in the last 32.
They join Mexico, the United States and Germany among the teams already through to the knockout stage.
Argentina will be confirmed as Group J winners if Jordan fail to beat Algeria in the later fixture.
Austria, who beat Jordan in their opening match, remain in contention with three points.
Another Messi Milestone
Messi’s World Cup scoring journey began 20 years ago when he scored against Serbia and Montenegro as an 18-year-old.
He did not score at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, but netted four goals in 2014, including two against Nigeria.
He added one goal in 2018, again against Nigeria, before producing a memorable campaign in 2022, scoring seven times as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar.
That included two goals in the final against France, which Argentina won on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Messi began the 2026 tournament three goals behind Klose, but his hat-trick against Algeria drew him level before his double against Austria took him clear.
France forward Kylian Mbappe remains in the chase after moving to 15 World Cup goals, but Messi now stands alone at the top of the all-time scoring chart.
