Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into football history on Monday, becoming the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
The Argentine captain struck in each half of the Group J clash in Arlington, Texas, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals and moving clear of former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, whose record of 16 goals had stood for years.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a low finish beyond Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, registering his 17th World Cup goal and setting a new tournament record.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then extended his lead in the history books deep into stoppage time, firing through a crowded penalty area to seal Argentina’s second consecutive win of the competition.
The performance came after an early setback for the Argentine skipper, who missed the chance to break the record in the eighth minute when he dragged a penalty wide.
However, Messi produced a decisive display that took his tally for the tournament to five goals, following the hat-trick he scored in Argentina’s opening 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The win guarantees Argentina’s progression to the last 32 as they continue their defence of the World Cup title. The South Americans could also finish top of Group J if Jordan fail to defeat Algeria later on Monday.
Reflecting on the result, Messi praised his team’s resilience in a closely contested encounter.
“I’m very happy with the victory,” Messi said afterwards. “It was hugely important, tough, and hard-fought, and it gives us peace of mind for what’s ahead. The match was evenly balanced and intense, and we’re happy to have earned six points.”
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