Lionel Messi made history on Monday, becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in their Group J fixture at Dallas Stadium.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner added a brace to the hat-trick he scored in Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria, leading his side through to the round of 32.
Argentina began the game on top of proceedings and got a chance to take the lead five minutes in as a penalty was awarded following a foul on Lautaro Martinez. Surprisingly, Messi missed the spot kick, side-footing his effort wide of the right-hand post.
Messi came close to breaking the deadlock again in the 19th minute after he was played through on goal by Lautaro Martinez, but his effort was saved by the leg of goalkeeper Alexander Schagler.
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In the 31st minute, Argentina’s brilliant team move forced another save from Schagler. Fortunately, the ball fell to Messi, who looked set to find the net with the rebound, but his effort was blocked once again, this time by David Alaba.
38 minutes into the game, Messi finally found the net after another superb team move. Thiago Almada started the move, passing the ball to Facundo Medina on the left, before leaving Medina’s cut back to roll towards Messi.
The Argentina captain made sure his strike was perfect this time, placing his effort into the bottom-right corner to give his side the lead. It marked Messi’s 17th World Cup goal, making him the tournament’s all-time top scorer.
Argentina started the second half the same way they finished the first, controlling the game and searching for another goal. However, Austria came close to equalising from a decent Marcel Sabitzer free kick in the 54th minute, but Emiliano Martinez made a strong save to keep the scores intact.
Messi continued to threaten as he was found by Enzo Fernandez in the 65th minute. But his effort failed to hit the target. At the other end, Sabitzer’s cross was met by the head of Michael Gregoritsch, but the striker was unable to keep his header down.
In the 72nd minute, Messi delivered a lovely corner into the near post, only for substitute Nicolas Gonzalez to nod the ball wide of the far post. The Atletico Madrid player came close to sealing the win in the 85th minute, but a desperate block from Kevin Danso prevented Argentina from extending their lead.
Few seconds to the end of the game, Messi made it 2-0, firing the ball into the back of the net after an impressive counter attack to seal Argentina’s win.
The result means that Argentina remain top of Group J with six points, while Austria sit second with three points. Argentina will face Jordan in their final group game on Sunday, June 28 while Austria will take on Algeria at the same time.
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