DALLAS, USA – Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday, helping his team secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The 38-year-old forward netted his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16 goals. Messi had equaled the record six days earlier when he scored his first-ever World Cup hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria.
Despite missing a penalty in the ninth minute against Austria, Messi recovered to open the scoring in the 38th minute before adding a second goal deep into stoppage time to seal Argentina’s second consecutive win in Group J.
“Beyond anything, I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said after the match. “It was huge, tough and difficult. All matches in this World Cup are very even and intense. I’m enjoying this moment and enjoying it with my teammates.”
Messi’s opening goal also marked the sixth consecutive World Cup match in which he has scored, joining France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil legend Jairzinho as the only players to achieve the feat.
The Argentine star admitted feeling frustrated after his early penalty miss but was pleased to make amends later in the game.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” he said.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain’s remarkable contribution, saying he had run out of words to describe Messi’s achievements.
“I have no more words to talk about Leo,” Scaloni said.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick also hailed Messi’s performance, calling him the best player in the world.
“Someone who is 39 years old and can score two goals and already has five goals at the beginning of the World Cup makes a difference,” Rangnick said. “Lionel Messi showed us today that he is one of the best, and he is the best.”
Argentina has now advanced to the knockout stage after winning its opening two matches in Group J. Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals so far in the tournament, including a hat trick against Algeria.
The latest milestone came during an emotional period for the football icon, whose father, Jorge Messi, is reportedly undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. Messi had previously revealed that he had experienced difficult days away from football before becoming emotional after scoring against Algeria.
Meanwhile, France forward Kylian Mbappé also continued his impressive World Cup form, matching Klose’s previous record of 16 goals during France’s 3-0 victory over Iraq later on Monday.
With Argentina progressing and Messi in outstanding form, the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer appears determined to add more chapters to his legendary career.
