Lionel Messi added another historic achievement to his legendary football career after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday in Arlington, Texas. The Argentine captain surpassed Germany great Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals.
The milestone performance came just days after Messi recorded his first-ever World Cup hat trick against Algeria. Despite missing an early penalty against Austria, the 39-year-old forward recovered to deliver another match-winning display and guide Argentina into the knockout stage of the tournament.
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Messi Breaks World Cup Goal Record
Messi entered the match level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals after scoring three times in Argentina’s previous match against Algeria. By full-time against Austria, the Argentina captain had moved ahead on his own with 18 career goals in the competition.
His record-breaking first goal arrived in the 38th minute. Thiago Almada allowed Facuno Medina’s pass to continue through to Messi, who struck the ball with his left foot from approximately 20 yards. Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager had shifted the wrong way, leaving Messi with a clear opening to score.
The goal sparked loud celebrations among Argentina supporters inside the sold-out home stadium of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Messi ran toward the corner and raised his right arm after scoring his historic 17th World Cup goal at the time.
He later added another in stoppage time to take his tournament total to 18. Messi’s first attempt was saved by Schlager, but the Argentine star reacted quickly and fired the rebound through several defenders to secure the 2-0 victory.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Messi said in translated remarks. “The way things are going in the World Cup, the way it’s being played, it’s a very even game. No one is giving away anything.”
Argentina Secures Knockout Round Place
The win over Austria guaranteed Argentina’s progression to the knockout phase after victories in its opening two Group J matches.
Argentina had previously defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, with Messi scoring all three goals in that contest. Monday’s result ensured the South American side advanced comfortably while maintaining strong momentum early in the tournament.
“Beyond anything I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said after the match. “It was huge, tough and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed about what’s ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy it with my teammates.”
Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil legend Jairzinho as the only players to accomplish that feat.
Early Penalty Miss Created Tension
Although Messi finished the match as the hero once again, the game began with disappointment for the Argentina captain.
In the ninth minute, Argentina received a penalty after Lautaro Martinez was tackled from behind inside the penalty area by Xaver Schlager and defender Stefan Posch, who was playing despite a broken jaw.
Play continued briefly while Martinez remained on the ground near the goal before officials stopped the game and reviewed the challenge. Following the review, a penalty was awarded to Argentina.
Messi stepped forward but failed to convert. His left-footed effort drifted just wide of the right post, prompting a collective gasp from the crowd.
The miss continued an unusual World Cup trend for Messi. He is now 4-for-7 on penalty kicks during regulation play in the tournament and has missed penalties in three consecutive World Cups.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi admitted after the victory.
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Another Historic Chapter in Messi’s Career
Monday’s match added several more milestones to Messi’s remarkable international career.
The Austria game marked Messi’s FIFA-record 28th World Cup appearance. His previous outing against Algeria had also been significant, as it was his 200th international appearance for Argentina.
That Algeria match came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut in Germany, where he also scored.
Now competing in his sixth World Cup, Messi continues to produce decisive performances at an age when most footballers have already retired from international competition.
The Argentine forward has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards as Europe’s best player and is widely considered one of the greatest footballers in history.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi again after the match.
“I have no more words to talk about Leo,” Scaloni said through an interpreter.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick also acknowledged the extraordinary level Messi continues to maintain at 39 years old.
“Someone who is 39 years old and can score two goals, and five goals overall at the beginning of the World Cup, well, that makes a difference,” Rangnick said through an interpreter. “We knew that he is on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed us today that he’s one of the best, and he is the best.”
Mbappé Matches Klose’s Former Record
Later on Monday, France forward Kylian Mbappé also reached an important milestone during France’s 3-0 win over Iraq.
Mbappé scored twice in that match to equal Klose’s previous World Cup total of 16 goals. While Messi now leads the all-time scoring chart with 18 goals, Mbappé’s rapid rise has added another major storyline to the tournament.
Klose himself had recently predicted Messi would eventually break the scoring record.
In an interview published on June 12 by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, the former Germany striker explained that the expanded World Cup format increased the chances for elite players to score more goals.
“With the larger field of competing teams there are more games and so more chances to score goals. And I assume Argentina and France will go far,” Klose told the newspaper. “That’s perfectly OK, the record will be broken eventually anyhow and Messi is welcome to be the one who does it. I’m a big fan of Messi, always have been. Messi is a genius.”
Klose completed his World Cup career after Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the 2014 final.
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Emotional Period Away From Football
Messi’s latest achievement has come during a difficult personal period for his family.
Last week, the Messi family announced that Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, has been undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. No additional details regarding his condition were released.
The 68-year-old Jorge Messi has played a major role throughout his son’s football career, serving as his agent while also managing business matters away from the sport.
Messi became emotional after scoring in Argentina’s previous match against Algeria and later revealed that the tears were connected to difficult days away from football.
The first goal against Austria came only two days before Messi’s 39th birthday, adding another emotional dimension to a memorable night in Texas.
Attendance for the sold-out match was officially announced at 70,649.
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