World Cup 2026: Messi makes history as Argentina dominate Austria
Key takeaways
- Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Arlington, Texas, with Lionel Messi scoring twice to become the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cup history.
- Lionel Messi scored twice, including a record-breaking 17th World Cup goal, to become the all-time leading goal-scorer in tournament history.
- Argentina controlled the match from start to finish, with Messi providing the decisive moments despite missing a penalty early in the first half.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Arlington, Texas, with Lionel Messi scoring twice to become the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cup history. The 38-year-old Argentine legend broke Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals, cementing his status as one of football's greatest players. With two victories from two matches, Argentina have mathematically secured their passage to the last 16.
By: FRANCE 24 Lionel Messi became the sole record-holder for the number of World Cup goals scored during the match against Austria. © Charlotte Wilson, AFP Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Texas on Monday to mathematically secure their passage to the last 16. Lionel Messi scored twice, including a record-breaking 17th World Cup goal, to become the all-time leading goal-scorer in tournament history.
Argentina controlled the match from start to finish, with Messi providing the decisive moments despite missing a penalty early in the first half. After squandering a spot-kick in the eighth minute, the Argentine captain finally found the breakthrough in the 38th minute with a powerful finish from close range after receiving a cutback from Almada. Austria tested Argentina's defence sporadically but rarely troubled goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Messi nearly added a second before half-time, but Argentina went into the interval with their one-goal advantage intact.