Forward, Lionel Messi, has now become all-time record top goalscorer in the history of the World Cup after scoring a brace for Argentina in the second FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Austria on Monday 22 June, 2026 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States (US).
The Inter Miami forward netted his 17th and 18th in the clash against Austria to climb two (2) goals clear off Germany striker, Miroslav Klose; the German goal machine clinched his feat between 2002 and 2014.
Messi, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, would have placed Argentina in front earlier, in the 9th minute, but he blasted his effort from the penalty spot wide, however, the forward went ahead to net the opener for the White and Sky Blues in the 38th minute after Facundo Medina had provided.
The former Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG) forward fired home his first-half goal from just inside the penalty area after an assist from Medina located him.
And in the 5th minute of additional time, Messi netted his brace and second for Argentina to seal the win; the former Barcelona forward fired home from an impermeable angle past two (2) defenders of Austria after Atletico Madrid forward, Julian Alvarez, had been denied by goalkeeper, Alexander Schlager.
A night that started with the loss of an earlier chance from the penalty spot, ended up being historic for Messi after netting a massive double to become World Cup’s highest goalscorer.
The Austrians also recorded a fine chance at goal after Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Marcel Sabitzer’s strong free-kick was pushed away by Aston Villa goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez.
With this outcome, Argentina have now joined Mexico, United States of America (USA) and Germany in the Round of 32.
Argentina will play their final Group J game against Jordan on Sunday 28 June, 2026 at 03:00 (WAT) at Dallas Stadium, Texas.
Results:
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group Phase) – Monday 22 June, 2026 |
| New Zealand 1-3 Egypt |
| Argentina 2-0 Austria |
| France 3-0 Iraq |
Photo: Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate after scoring for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Austria on Monday in Dallas
