Lionel Messi delivered a record-breaking performance as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J match on Monday. The victory secured Argentina’s place in the knockout stages.
Argentina started strongly in Dallas but faced early frustration. Messi missed a penalty, yet he responded in the 38th minute. He curled home a superb strike from a cutback to open the scoring. The goal moved him ahead of Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 17 goals at that point.
Coach Lionel Scaloni praised the captain’s composure. “Messi showed his class once again under pressure,” Scaloni said after the match.
Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, pressed high and created chances but failed to convert. Argentina maintained control. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Messi added his second goal with a clinical finish. This sealed the 2-0 win and took his tournament tally higher while breaking additional scoring marks.
Defender Nicolas Otamendi highlighted the team’s resilience. “We fought together, and Leo made the difference,” Otamendi noted.
The result followed Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria, where Messi scored a hat-trick. Austria had beaten Jordan 3-1 in their first game. Argentina now sits strongly in the group standings with qualification assured.
Messi, at 38, continued to lead his side effectively. His brace not only broke Klose’s record but also underscored his enduring impact on the world stage. Argentina will now prepare for the round of 16 with momentum.
