Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach knockout stage

Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into football history on Monday, scoring twice to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria and secure the defending champions a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds.

The Argentine captain became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer with his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing the previous record he had shared with German legend Miroslav Klose. Messi struck first in the 38th minute at the packed AT&T Stadium in Texas, finishing clinically with his trademark left foot after a clever move involving Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada. The goal sent the majority of the Argentine crowd of more than 70,000 fans into celebration as their hero made history.

The 38-year-old added a second goal deep into stoppage time, showing his trademark composure by evading multiple defenders during a goalmouth scramble before finding the net to seal the victory.

Despite his match-winning display, it was not a perfect night for Messi. The Argentine star missed an early penalty after Lautaro Martínez was fouled inside the area. His tame effort drifted wide, adding another chapter to his surprisingly inconsistent penalty record at World Cups.

Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, adopted a cautious approach throughout the contest and struggled to trouble Argentina’s defense. They failed to register a shot on target in the first half and rarely tested goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Defender David Alaba was one of Austria’s standout performers, twice denying Messi in promising situations before the Argentine eventually broke through.

The victory follows Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria, in which Messi scored a hat-trick, and guarantees Lionel Scaloni’s side a place in the last 32 with a game to spare.

Reports after the match revealed that Messi became emotional following his record-breaking goal due to concerns over his father’s health, who is currently recovering from an unspecified medical issue.

Having already guided Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago, Messi continues to prove that age is merely a number. As he approaches his 39th birthday, the football icon remains the driving force behind Argentina’s quest to retain its world title.

With two wins from two matches, Argentina now head into their final group-stage fixture full of confidence, while Austria face a must-win encounter to keep their World Cup hopes alive.