Lionel Messi etched his name into football folklore by becoming the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, inspiring Argentina to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Austria and a berth in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old struck twice in the second half at the Estadio Monumental to surpass Miroslav Klose’s longstanding record of 16 goals, taking his World Cup tally to 18 and ensuring the holders’ campaign gathered momentum.
Messi’s Historic Brace
With his team probing but unable to break down a stubborn Austrian defence, Messi stepped up in the 64th minute with a moment of vintage quality, curling a free-kick from 25 yards into the top corner. The strike drew roars from the home crowd and saw the Argentina captain overtake Klose’s mark. He later added a second from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining, coolly converting after Angel Di Maria was felled in the area.
“I'm not thinking about the record, I'm thinking about helping the team,” Messi said after the match. “We knew Austria would be difficult, but we found a way. Now we keep going step by step.”
The double takes Messi to 18 World Cup goals, two clear of Klose and three more than Kylian Mbappé, who has 15. It marks yet another milestone in a career that has seen him win the World Cup, multiple Copa América titles, and a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Argentina Cruise Into Round of 32
Argentina boss Julio Cuesta made four changes from the side that defeated Iran 4-1, but the reshuffled XI initially lacked fluency. Austria, needing at least a point to keep their slim hopes alive, defended in a compact 4-5-1 and threatened on the counter through veteran Marko Arnautović. Yet once Messi broke the deadlock, the energy drained from the Austrian challenge.
The result sends Argentina top of Group H with maximum points from two matches, guaranteeing a top‑two finish and a place in the knockout phase. Austria, beaten 1-0 by Ghana in their opener, now face an early exit unless they can beat Iran in their final group game and hope other results go their way.
Argentina’s path to a potential quarter‑final remains daunting, with a likely clash against either France or England if they progress. But on this evidence, with Messi in such imperious form, few would bet against them.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi is now the World Cup’s all‑time top scorer with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s 16.
- Argentina have qualified for the last 32 with one group match to spare, cementing their status as one of the favourites.
- Austria’s World Cup dream is hanging by a thread after a second straight defeat.
- Argentina’s set‑piece prowess, coupled with Messi’s brilliance, makes them a potent knockout‑stage threat.
- The 39‑year‑old continues to defy age, with his fitness and sharpness suggesting he has more history to make.
Quick Facts
Match: Argentina 2–0 Austria
Goals: Messi 64’ (FK), 80’ (pen)
Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
World Cup goals record: Messi 18, Klose 16, Mbappé 15
Group H standings: Argentina 6 pts, Ghana 3 pts, Iran 3 pts, Austria 0 pts
Next fixture: Argentina vs Iran (26 June)
