Lionel Messi Breaks FIFA World Cup All-Time Goal Record Leading Argentina over Austria

Messi Record Brace Sends Argentina Past Austria and Into World Cup Knockout Stage

Argentina national football team booked its place in the World Cup round of 32 with a 2-0 win over Austria national football team on Monday in Arlington, powered by two Lionel Messi goals that pushed him to a men’s tournament-record 18 career World Cup goals. Messi struck in the 38th minute and added a stoppage-time finish, while Austria failed to register an equalizer despite stretches of second-half pressure.

The defining moment came after Messi missed an early penalty, only to settle Argentina with a composed opener before halftime. Austria stayed organized under manager Ralf Rangnick and pressed higher after the break, but Argentina’s back line held firm for its second straight clean sheet of the tournament. The result secured top spot in Group J for the defending champions.

Messi’s brace added another landmark to a tournament résumé that continues to grow in his sixth World Cup. The 39-year-old now sits alone atop the men’s all-time scoring list, passing Miroslav Klose. No official postmatch quotes were immediately available from FIFA or team media following the result.

Argentina closes group play Saturday against Jordan national football team in Arlington, with manager Lionel Scaloni expected to rotate after clinching advancement. Austria will finish its group schedule the same day against Algeria national football team in Kansas City, needing a result to strengthen its path into the knockout round.