Group J Argentina 2-0 Austria Lionel Messi added another chapter to his extraordinary football legacy on Monday, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history as he fired Argentina into the knockout stage of the 2026 tournament with a 2-0 victory over Austria. The Argentine captain scored twice at Dallas Stadium in Arlington to take his World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing the previous record and further cementing his place among the greatest players the game has ever seen. It was a day of redemption and celebration for the 39-year-old superstar, who had earlier missed a penalty before producing two moments of brilliance when his country needed him most. With qualification to the Round of 32 on the line, Argentina dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Austrian defence during much of the first half. Messi appeared set to put the South Americans ahead when Argentina were awarded a penalty midway through the opening period. However, the veteran forward failed to score from the spot, drawing gasps from the crowd and briefly raising Austrian hopes of causing an upset. As he has done throughout his glittering career, Messi responded in the best possible way. Seven minutes before halftime, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner found the breakthrough. The goal not only eased the pressure on the reigning world champions but also saw Messi equal the World Cup scoring record. Austria attempted to mount a response in the second half and created a handful of promising opportunities, but Argentina's defence remained resolute. As the match entered stoppage time, Messi delivered the final blow. Deep into added time, in the fifth minute of injury time, the Argentine legend scored his second goal. The goal took his World Cup tally to 18, setting a new benchmark in men's World Cup football and sparking jubilant celebrations among Argentina's players and supporters. The final whistle confirmed both Argentina's progression to the knockout stage and another remarkable milestone in a career already overflowing with records and achievements. All the records broken by Lionel Messi today: Most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football (soccer) player - 18 Most FIFA World Cup matches played in by an individual - 28 Most matches won by a player at the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup - 18 Most minutes played in the... — Guinness World Records (@GWR) June 22, 2026 For Messi, who famously led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, the latest accomplishment adds further weight to his claim as one of football's greatest-ever players. Nearly two decades after making his World Cup debut, he continues to deliver on the biggest stage. The victory leaves Argentina well positioned heading into the final round of Group J matches, while Austria now face a difficult battle to keep their qualification hopes alive. For football fans around the world, however, the night belonged to Messi. Having already conquered nearly every challenge the sport could offer, he has now added another historic achievement to his remarkable résumé- becoming the highest-scoring player in men's World Cup history and leading Argentina one step closer to another shot at glory.
