Lionel Messi became the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history on Monday after netting twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria, guiding the defending champions into the knockout stage of the 2026 tournament.
The Argentina captain scored his 16th and 17th World Cup goals in front of 70,649 spectators at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The brace moved him ahead of former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who held the previous record with 16 goals.
Argentina now advances to the Round of 32 with a match to spare. Lionel Scaloni’s side tops its group after opening the tournament with a 3-0 win over Algeria, where Messi also scored a hat-trick.
The 38-year-old celebrated another milestone in a career already filled with records. His latest goals further strengthened his claim as one of football’s greatest players.
Messi Misses Early Penalty but Makes History
Argentina had a chance to take an early lead after Lautaro Martinez won a penalty.
Referee Amin Mohamed awarded the spot kick following a VAR review. Messi stepped up in the ninth minute, but his effort drifted wide of the post.
The miss surprised Argentina supporters inside the stadium.
Penalty kicks have remained one of the few blemishes in Messi’s remarkable career. He also missed from the spot during the 2018 World Cup and had another penalty saved against Poland in the 2022 tournament.
Despite the setback, Argentina continued to dominate possession.
Messi nearly scored in the 19th minute before Austria captain David Alaba made a crucial challenge.
Alaba denied him again shortly after the half-hour mark. The defender blocked a goalbound effort with goalkeeper Alexander Schlager out of position.
Austria, coached by Ralf Rangnick, spent most of the opening period defending deep. The European side failed to register a shot on target before halftime.
Argentina Captain Delivers Again
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute.
Facundo Medina delivered a low pass into the penalty area. Thiago Almada cleverly allowed the ball to run through his legs, leaving Messi with a clear sight of goal.
The Inter Miami star calmly swept the ball into the net. Argentina supporters erupted as Messi celebrated his record-breaking strike.
The goal carried extra emotional weight. Reports later revealed that Messi’s father is recovering from an undisclosed health issue.
Messi had already equalled Klose’s record with his hat-trick against Algeria. Monday’s opener moved him into sole possession of first place on the all-time World Cup scoring chart.
Austria attempted to respond after the break, but Argentina controlled large portions of the match.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez faced little danger throughout the second half. Messi sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.
Following a scramble inside the penalty area, he navigated past several defenders before forcing the ball over the line.
The second goal ended Austrian hopes and confirmed Argentina’s place in the knockout rounds.
Argentina will now focus on securing first place in the group, while Austria must regroup quickly to keep its qualification hopes alive.
For Messi, the night added another chapter to an extraordinary international career. The World Cup champion now stands alone at the top of football’s biggest scoring list.
