Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 on Monday night in the second match of Group J at the World Cup. Lionel Messi scored both goals, in the 38th minute and then in the 90+5th minute, securing Argentina's qualification for the Round of 32. With this brace, Messi now has 18 World Cup goals. The Argentine surpasses Miroslav Klose, the previous record holder with 16 goals, and becomes the sole all-time leading scorer in the competition.
Messi surpasses Klose with his first goal, then extends the lead in stoppage time.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute. This first goal put Argentina ahead before halftime and, more importantly, allowed the Argentine captain to surpass Miroslav Klose's all-time scoring record. As Austria looked to mount a comeback in the final minutes, Messi definitively secured the victory for Argentina. In the 95th minute, he scored his second goal of the match, making it 2-0 and bringing his personal tally to 18 goals in World Cup history.
Argentina controlled the match and secured their qualification
Argentina controlled the match without ever putting themselves in danger on the scoreboard. Taking the lead in the first half, Lionel Scaloni's team forced Austria to chase the game. Messi's second goal in stoppage time confirmed Argentina's superiority and definitively sealed the victory. This win allows Argentina to qualify for the round of 32 even before the end of the group stage. The Albiceleste thus continue their journey in the 2026 World Cup with an important victory, built around their captain and capped off with a historic record.
A new world record for Messi
This brace against Austria adds another chapter to Lionel Messi's career. Already a world champion with Argentina, he has now become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. His first goal of the evening allowed him to surpass Miroslav Klose. His second brought the record to 18 goals. Messi is no longer just ahead of the former German striker: he now stands alone at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring charts. For Argentina, it was a doubly successful evening: a victory, qualification, and a record for their captain.
