Lionel Messi becomes all-time World Cup leading scorer with brace as Argentina defeat Austria to reach knockout rounds

Jun 22, 2026

Lionel Messi makes World Cup history by scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas, securing the reigning champions a spot in the round of 32. Despite missing an early penalty, the 38-year-old captain rebounds to score his 17th and 18th tournament goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading men's World Cup scorer. Argentina remains perfect in Group J with six points and zero goals conceded, while Austria faces a crucial final group match against Jordan.

Messi World Cup scoring record

▪Lionel Messi scored two goals to become the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history with 18 total goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record of 16.
▪Lionel Messi became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches since Just Fontaine in 1958 and Jairzinho in 1970.

Argentina defeat Austria 2-0

▪Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, with Lionel Messi scoring in the 38th minute and deep in stoppage time.
▪Austria's Marcel Sabitzer earned his 100th international cap during the match against Argentina, becoming the fifth Austrian men's player to reach the milestone.

Argentina knockout qualification secured

▪Argentina secured qualification to the World Cup round of 32 knockout stage after earning six points from their opening two Group J matches.
▪Argentina won their opening two matches of a World Cup without conceding a goal for the first time since 1998.

Messi penalty miss

▪Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the ninth minute of the match after Lautaro Martinez was fouled in the box by Stefan Posch.
▪Lionel Messi has missed three penalties in World Cup history outside of shootouts, the most of any player in the tournament's history.

Argentina potential knockout opponents

▪If Argentina finishes second in Group J, they will play their round of 32 match in Los Angeles against the winner of Group H.
▪If Argentina wins Group J, they will play their round of 32 match in Miami on Friday, July 3, 2026, against the runner-up of Group H.