Lionel Messi etched his name into World Cup history on Monday, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer as he netted twice in Argentina’s 2-0 triumph over Austria. This crucial victory secured the defending champions’ progression into the knockout stages of the competition.
Coming into the match in Arlington, Messi was tied with German legend Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, having scored a hat-trick against Algeria in their opening game. By the final whistle, the 38-year-old Argentine had surpassed Klose, leaving the record solely in his hands.
Despite an early setback when Messi missed a penalty just eight minutes into the game, the outcome did not hang in doubt for long. Austria mounted a solid defensive effort throughout the first half, keeping the scoreline level as the teams approached halftime.
Breaking the Deadlock and Cementing the Record
Seven minutes before the break, Facundo Medina’s precise pass found Messi inside the penalty area. Displaying remarkable composure, Messi calmly slotted a left-footed shot past Austria’s goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, scoring his 17th World Cup goal and moving ahead of Klose as the tournament’s top scorer.
Any lingering disappointment from the missed penalty had vanished by the final moments of the game. Deep into stoppage time, after Schlager initially blocked his shot, Messi was quickest to react and converted on the rebound, securing his 18th World Cup goal and sealing the victory for Argentina.
This win not only confirmed Argentina’s advancement into the round of 32 but also guaranteed them the top position in their group.