Lionel Messi Sets World Cup Scoring Record as Argentina Advances to Knockout Stage/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi scored twice to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to secure a place in the knockout rounds and clinch first place in Group J. The Argentine captain raised his World Cup goal total to 18 and continued adding to his legendary international career.
Lionel Messi World Cup Record Quick Looks
- Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Arlington, Texas.
- Messi scored his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals.
- The Argentine captain broke the previous record held by Miroslav Klose.
- Argentina advanced to the knockout stage and secured first place in Group J.
- Messi missed an early penalty before scoring twice.
- The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament.
- Argentina extended its World Cup winning streak to eight matches.
- Messi now has 122 international goals for Argentina.
- Austria remains alive in the race for advancement.
- Argentina enters the knockout phase as one of the tournament favorites.
Deep Look
Lionel Messi Makes World Cup History Again
Lionel Messi added another extraordinary achievement to his legendary career Monday night, scoring twice to become the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history and helping Argentina secure a 2-0 victory over Austria.
The defending champions advanced to the knockout stage while Messi moved past Germany great Miroslav Klose and into sole possession of the tournament scoring record.
The Argentine captain entered the match tied with Klose on 16 World Cup goals.
By the final whistle, he had raised that total to 18.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said.
Early Frustration Turns Into History
The record-breaking night did not begin smoothly.
Just nine minutes into the match, Messi had an opportunity to move ahead of Klose when Argentina was awarded a penalty kick.
The 38-year-old star sent his effort wide to the right, leaving the sold-out crowd stunned.
Argentina continued to dominate possession and create opportunities, however, and eventually found the breakthrough.
In the 38th minute, Thiago Almada cleverly allowed a pass from Facundo Medina to run through to Messi.
The veteran forward quickly noticed Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager leaning the wrong direction and calmly finished to put Argentina ahead 1-0.
The goal officially established Messi as the highest-scoring player in World Cup history.
Messi Adds Another Record Goal
Argentina maintained control throughout the second half but was forced to remain alert against an Austrian side searching for an equalizer.
As injury time wound down, Messi delivered another decisive moment.
After Schlager denied his initial attempt, the rebound returned to Messi, who fired through a crowd of defenders and into the net.
The goal gave Argentina a 2-0 cushion and extended his record to 18 World Cup goals.
“Beyond anything I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said. “It was huge, tough and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed to what’s ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy with my teammates.”
Another Milestone Before His Birthday
Messi’s latest accomplishment came just two days before his 39th birthday.
The Argentine icon continues to defy age while performing at the highest level of international soccer.
The atmosphere inside AT&T Stadium reflected his global popularity.
Thousands of Argentina supporters packed the venue, with white-and-sky-blue No. 10 jerseys dominating the crowd and creating a home-like environment for the South American champions.
Each goal sparked massive celebrations as teammates surrounded their captain during another unforgettable World Cup moment.
Historic Connection to Maradona
Messi’s record-breaking performance came on a symbolic date in Argentine soccer history.
The achievement occurred exactly 40 years after Diego Maradona scored his famous “Goal of the Century” against England during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals.
That legendary solo effort helped Argentina defeat England 2-1 before eventually capturing the World Cup title.
Dominating World Cup Records
The scoring record is only the latest addition to Messi’s remarkable résumé.
The Argentine captain has now:
- Scored 18 World Cup goals.
- Recorded goals in six consecutive World Cup matches.
- Become one of only three players to score in six straight World Cup games.
- Reached 122 international goals for Argentina.
- Scored all five of Argentina’s goals during the 2026 World Cup.
Messi is now second among men in international goals, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo’s 143.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also recorded his first World Cup hat trick earlier in the tournament during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria.
Argentina Tops Group J
Argentina’s victory combined with Jordan’s 2-1 loss to Algeria secured first place in Group J.
As a result, Argentina can approach its final group-stage match against Jordan with significantly less pressure.
With qualification already secured, questions will now emerge regarding Messi’s workload and whether coach Lionel Scaloni chooses to rest his captain before the knockout rounds begin.
Regardless of that decision, Argentina enters the next phase as one of the strongest contenders to defend its title.
The team has now won eight consecutive World Cup matches dating back to its shocking opening defeat against Saudi Arabia during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Austria Still Has Hope
Despite the defeat, Austria remains alive in the race for advancement.
The Austrians created several opportunities and nearly equalized during second-half stoppage time when Patrick Wimmer narrowly missed with a header after a free kick sequence.
Coach Ralf Rangnick saw positives despite the loss.
“I think that we were in possession of the ball more than other people expected,” Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said through an interpreter. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to nullify every counter attack.”
Austria will face Algeria in its final group-stage match and can still reach the knockout round with a victory.
Argentina’s Title Defense Gains Momentum
For Argentina, the night belonged entirely to Messi.
The reigning world champions secured qualification, finished atop their group and watched their captain rewrite one of the sport’s most prestigious records.
With 18 World Cup goals and counting, Messi continues to strengthen a legacy already considered among the greatest in football history.
As Argentina moves into the knockout rounds, its biggest star remains at the center of another championship chase.
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