With a brace against Austria, Messi becomes the highest goalscorer in men’s World Cup history, propelling Argentina into the knockout stage.
Published On 22 Jun 2026
Lionel Messi etched his name further into the history books, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history after netting twice to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria. The result guarantees the defending champions a place in the Round of 32.
In a match held in Texas on Monday, the legendary playmaker delivered a signature left-footed finish late in the first half following a sophisticated team buildup.
This decisive strike, added to his previous hat-trick in Argentina’s opening fixture, brings his career World Cup tally to 17 goals.
The 38-year-old then put the game to rest deep into stoppage time, outmaneuvering four defenders during a goalmouth scramble to slot home the second.
It was a redemption arc for Messi, who missed an early opportunity to score from the penalty spot, much to the dismay of the 70,649 Argentinian supporters at the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium.
With both nations fighting for a spot in the knockout rounds, Lautaro Martinez was fouled in the box by two Austrian defenders.
Following a VAR review, referee Amin Mohamed awarded the penalty. Despite the deafening roar from the crowd, Messi’s ninth-minute attempt lacked precision and sailed wide.
The miss was uncharacteristic for the veteran, who turns 39 this Wednesday, and mirrors previous struggles from the spot, including a save by Wojciech Szczesny in 2022 and a miss in 2018.
Austria nearly held firm in the opening stages; in the 19th minute, David Alaba skillfully dispossessed Messi just as he was breaking clear on goal. Alaba again proved a nuisance shortly after, blocking a dangerous shot that left goalkeeper Alexander Schlager exposed.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austrian side, coming off a 3-1 win against Jordan, employed a disciplined defensive strategy, failing to register a single shot on target during the first half.
Messi makes history
The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. After Facundo Medina initiated the play, Thiago Almada executed a clever through-ball that bypassed the defense, leaving Messi with an open net to sweep the ball home.
The goal ignited the massive Argentinian contingent in attendance.
Messi had previously tied Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals during Argentina’s 3-0 opening win against Algeria.
Following the lead, Lionel Scaloni’s men saw the tempo drop in a quiet second half, with few clear-cut chances created by either side.
While Austria showed flashes of intent, they struggled to breach the Argentine defense, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez largely untested.
The finality came in the dying moments of the match. After Alexander Schlager parried an initial effort from Julian Alvarez, the ball fell to Messi. Despite his first attempt being blocked, the captain reacted quickest to drive a low shot from six yards out, sealing the victory.