Lionel Messi Breaks World Cup Goals Record As Argentina Reach Knockout Stage

• Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria to become the outright highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals.
• Argentina secured a 2-0 victory in Dallas to book their place in the knockout rounds.
• Messi moved clear of Miroslav Klose and extended a remarkable run of scoring in six consecutive World Cup matches.

Lionel Messi made World Cup history on Monday by becoming the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

The Argentina captain entered the match level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose on 16 goals following his hat trick against Algeria in the opening game. By full-time, Messi had moved clear of every player in World Cup history after scoring twice to take his tally to 18.

The record-breaking performance came in Dallas as defending champions Argentina claimed a second consecutive victory in Group J and guaranteed their place in the round of 32.

Messi’s historic afternoon did not begin smoothly.

The 38-year-old was handed an early opportunity to break the record from the penalty spot in the ninth minute but dragged his effort wide after a stuttering run-up, leaving the crowd stunned.

However, the setback proved only temporary.

After several threatening moments, Messi finally found the breakthrough in the 38th minute. Thiago Almada cleverly allowed Facundo Medina’s pass to run through, and Messi calmly curled a precise finish beyond Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager to move ahead of Klose and become the leading scorer in World Cup history.

The Argentine star then put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time.

After seeing an initial effort saved by Schlager, Messi reacted quickest to the rebound and fired through a crowd of defenders to score his second goal of the afternoon and extend his record further.

“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said after the match.

The goals continued an extraordinary run for Argentina’s captain.

Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches dating back to the 2022 tournament and has netted all five of Argentina’s goals at the 2026 World Cup so far.

His latest strike also moved him beyond Brazilian legend Marta, who scored 17 goals in Women’s World Cup competition.

The record-breaking achievement came exactly 20 years after Messi scored his first World Cup goal as an 18-year-old against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.

Two decades later, he continues to redefine football history.

Messi has already become the first player to appear in six men’s World Cups and now stands alone as the competition’s most prolific goalscorer.

His international tally has also climbed to 122 goals for Argentina, leaving him second only to Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo among men’s international scorers.

Monday’s victory delivered another milestone for the Argentine icon.

The win moved Messi ahead as the player with the most victories in men’s World Cup history and extended Argentina’s unbeaten World Cup run since their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2022 tournament.

“Beyond anything, I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said.

“It was huge, tough and difficult. It allows us to be relaxed about what’s ahead.

“All matches in this World Cup are very even and very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and enjoying it with my teammates.”

Argentina now sit top of Group J with six points from two matches and have officially secured their place in the knockout rounds.

They will conclude their group-stage campaign against Jordan in Texas, with Messi continuing his pursuit of even more World Cup history.