ARLINGTON, TEXAS / EuroWire / – Lionel Messi turned another World Cup night into a record-setting stage as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Group J on Monday, with the 38-year-old captain scoring both goals at Dallas Stadium. Messi struck in the 38th minute and again in stoppage time to lift his career World Cup total to 18 goals. The win sent defending champion Argentina into the knockout stage with six points from two matches.
The record arrived after an uneven start. Messi missed an early penalty, but he answered before halftime with a left-footed finish after work from Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada. His first goal moved him past Miroslav Klose’s men’s World Cup record of 16. His second goal, scored in the 95th minute after Julian Alvarez helped create the chance, extended his mark and sealed Argentina’s second straight win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi now holds the men’s World Cup scoring record after moving beyond Miroslav Klose’s 16-goal mark and taking his career total to 18. Argentina opened its campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria, when Messi scored a hat trick to draw level with Klose. The Austria match gave him five goals in two games at this tournament and confirmed his central role in Argentina’s attack as the defending champions moved through Group J.
Messi sets new scoring mark
Austria entered the match after beating Jordan 3-1 in its opener and stayed competitive for long spells, but it could not turn pressure into a goal. Michael Gregoritsch had one of Austria’s clearest chances with a missed header. Argentina protected its lead after Messi’s first goal and finished the match with a clean sheet. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and the Argentine back line kept Austria from finding a late route back into the contest.
The result also highlighted Messi’s unusual longevity at the top level. At an age when many elite players have already retired, moved into smaller roles, or seen their influence decline with reduced pace and fewer decisive moments, he delivered the goals that settled a World Cup match. He outscored every player on the field and remained central to Argentina’s attack. Younger Argentina players were also important to the win, with Almada and Alvarez helping create the goals that carried the defending champions into the next round.
Argentina advances from Group J
Argentina’s victory gave Lionel Scaloni’s side control of Group J after two matches. The team has scored five goals and conceded none so far in the tournament. Its next match is against Jordan, while Austria faces Algeria in its final group game. Those matches will complete the group schedule and settle the remaining qualification positions. Argentina’s progress was secured before its third game because of its two wins.
Messi’s brace added another chapter to a World Cup career that includes Argentina’s 2022 title. His latest record came in his sixth World Cup campaign and on a night when the crowd saw both a missed penalty and two clinical finishes. Argentina left Texas with the points, a knockout place and a new all-time World Cup scoring leader, while Austria remained on three points with one group match still to play.