Lionel Messi once again etched his name into football history, scoring twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in a captivating FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter. On a night defined by relentless attacking football and high-intensity action, the Argentine captain became the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record and further strengthening his legacy on the sport’s grandest stage. Argentina inch closer towards defending their title as they now book a spot in the round of 32.
The contest began at a blistering pace, with both teams displaying attacking intent and creating opportunities in an entertaining end-to-end battle. Argentina were handed an early chance to take control in the 7th minute when Lautaro Martínez was brought down inside the penalty area. However, Austria were handed a reprieve as Messi’s spot-kick failed to find the net.
Undeterred by the miss, Argentina continued to dictate possession while Austria remained dangerous on the counterattack. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute and fittingly came from the man who has defined this World Cup. Facundo Medina’s pass found Messi in space, and the Argentine captain produced a sublime finish to score his 17th FIFA World Cup goal, moving past Miroslav Klose to become the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Austria refused to back down after the break, contributing to an open and highly competitive second half as both sides continued to attack. Argentina, however, remained in control of the key moments and looked increasingly dangerous as the match entered stoppage time.
With Austria pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Messi delivered the final word. Deep into stoppage time, the captain produced a composed finish to score his 18th FIFA World Cup goal and seal a 2-0 victory for La Albiceleste, putting the result beyond doubt and extending his newly established record.
Argentina’s latest triumph strengthened their position among the tournament favourites, but the evening belonged entirely to Messi. Having missed an early penalty, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner responded in the manner that has defined his career, producing a historic brace that took him clear at the top of the FIFA World Cup scoring charts and delivered yet another unforgettable chapter in one of football’s greatest stories.