Magical-As-Ever Messi Breaks World Cup Record As Argentina Reach Last 32

Last Updated:June 23, 2026, 01:48 IST

Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 at the World Cup, becomes all-time tournament top scorer with 18 goals, securing Argentina a last 32 place.

Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into football history on Monday, scoring twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 to reach the last 32 of the World Cup and become the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.

The Argentina captain struck once in each half in front of a crowd of 70,649 in Arlington, Texas, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals and moving clear of the previous record of 16 that he had matched with a hat-trick against Algeria in the defending champions’ opening match.

It was another landmark performance from the 38-year-old, who is playing in his sixth World Cup and continues to defy expectations nearly two decades after making his debut on the global stage.

Messi’s achievement was all the more remarkable given that he endured a frustrating start to the evening. Argentina were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute after Lautaro Martinez was brought down in the box following a VAR review. With the crowd roaring in anticipation, Messi stepped up but dragged his effort wide of the post.

The miss briefly stunned the sea of Argentina supporters inside the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys, but Messi quickly put it behind him and resumed orchestrating Argentina’s attacks.

Austria, coached by Ralf Rangnick, set up defensively and were content to sit deep, frustrating Argentina for long periods. Defender David Alaba was particularly influential, twice denying Messi in the first half. He first nicked the ball away just as the forward looked set to shoot after a trademark dribble through the defence, before later blocking a goalbound effort with goalkeeper Alexander Schlager beaten.

Yet Austria’s resistance was finally broken in the 38th minute. Facundo Medina found space on the left and played the ball into the area, where Thiago Almada cleverly allowed it to run through his legs. The movement left Messi unmarked, and the captain calmly swept a left-footed finish into the net to spark wild celebrations among Argentina’s supporters.

The goal was historic, moving Messi clear of every player who has appeared at the World Cup and giving him sole ownership of the tournament scoring record.

Argentina controlled possession after the break but were unable to find a second goal for much of the contest. Austria, who had beaten Jordan 3-1 in their opening game, enjoyed some encouraging moments in the second half and threatened more than they had before the interval. However, they rarely tested goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who was seriously called into action only once.

As the match drifted towards its conclusion, Messi delivered one final reminder of his enduring quality. Deep into stoppage time, he collected the ball near the edge of the area and manoeuvred his way through a crowd of defenders before finishing to seal the victory.

The result guarantees Argentina a place in the knockout rounds with one group match still to play and puts them in a strong position to finish top of Group J.

After the match, Messi focused on the importance of the result rather than the record. “Very happy for the victory, it was very important, hard, hard, hard, and it gives us peace of mind for what is to come," he said.

Rangnick was among those to acknowledge the significance of what they had witnessed.

“We knew that he is on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed us today that he’s the best," the Austria coach said.

News sports football Magical-As-Ever Messi Breaks World Cup Record As Argentina Reach Last 32

Read More