- Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, securing the defending champions a spot in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
- Messi became the highest goal scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's long-standing record of 16.
- Despite missing an early penalty, the 38-year-old captain regained momentum to score in his sixth consecutive World Cup match.
- Messi leads the Golden Boot race with five goals in two matches, demonstrating exceptional longevity in his record-breaking sixth tournament appearance.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Lionel Messi has once again reminded the world why he is considered one of football’s greatest players, delivering a historic performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and rewriting the record books in the process.
On Monday night in Dallas, the Argentine captain led from the front, scoring twice in a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Austria. With this win, defending champions Argentina secured their place in the knockout stage, while Messi further strengthened his legacy in football history.
The two goals were not only crucial for the match but also historic. Messi’s total World Cup goals now stand at 18, making him the highest goal scorer in World Cup history. He surpassed Germany’s Miroslav Klose, whose record of 16 goals had stood for years.
The match did not begin perfectly for Messi, as he missed a penalty early on — a rare moment of disappointment for the 38-year-old. However, he quickly regained control and responded with determination.
In the 38th minute, Messi broke the deadlock with a composed finish after a clever assist from Thiago Almada created space for him. As Austria pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Messi struck again in stoppage time, finishing a swift counterattack to seal the victory.
After the match, Messi appeared satisfied but humble. He described the game as tough and competitive, acknowledging the difficulty of every World Cup match. He also admitted that although he missed the penalty, football often unfolds unpredictably.
“The most important thing is the win,” he said. “It was a difficult match, and victories like this give us confidence for what lies ahead.”
Messi’s current form has been outstanding. In Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, he scored a brilliant hat-trick to lead his team to a 3–0 victory. That performance marked his first World Cup hat-trick and made him the oldest player to achieve the feat.
With goals in back-to-back matches, Messi now has five goals in just two games in the tournament, placing him at the top of the Golden Boot race.
Even more impressively, he has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, a rare achievement shared only by a few legends in football history.
What makes Messi’s journey even more remarkable is its longevity. Since making his World Cup debut in 2006 at the age of 19, he has now featured in six consecutive editions of the tournament. Over the years, he has consistently performed at the highest level, setting records not only for goals but also for appearances and victories.
Beyond scoring, Messi continues to influence the game with his vision and creativity. His ability to assist teammates and control the pace of the game remains as sharp as ever.
Argentina, under coach Lionel Scaloni, also showed strong tactical discipline in the match. Substitutions in the second half helped maintain energy and exploit Austria’s attacking approach. The team looked composed, confident, and well-prepared — qualities that will be crucial as they move deeper into the tournament.
Looking ahead, Messi emphasized that while the team had aimed for two wins, they knew it would not be easy. He highlighted the competitive nature of the World Cup, where every match is intense and every opponent is strong.
As he approaches his 39th birthday, Messi continues to defy expectations. His performances are not just about goals or records but also about leadership, resilience, and passion for the game.
With Argentina now through to the knockout stage and Messi in top form, fans around the world will be watching closely, because with Messi on the pitch, history is never far away.
