Lionel Messi Sets All-Time World Cup Scoring Record as Argentina Advances

Lionel Messi has become the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup history, netting his 17th and 18th tournament goals to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria. The win, secured at Dallas Stadium, guarantees Argentina a spot in the tournament’s knockout stage with one group match remaining. Messi surpassed the previous record of 16 goals, held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose since 2014, by scoring in the 38th minute and again in second-half stoppage time.

How the Record-Breaking Performance Unfolded

The match began with a significant opportunity for Messi after a video assistant referee (VAR) review awarded Argentina a penalty kick in the 9th minute. Following a challenge on Lautaro Martínez by Austria’s Xaver Schlager and Stefan Posch, the officiating team pointed to the spot. Messi, however, sent his attempt wide of the goal, missing the target by approximately half a meter. According to statistics from Opta, the miss marks Messi’s third failed penalty attempt in World Cup play, bringing his total to seven penalty kicks taken—the most for any player in the tournament’s history outside of shootouts.

Messi recovered from the early miss to dominate the attacking third. After being denied by defensive interventions from Austria’s David Alaba in the 19th and 32nd minutes, Messi found the back of the net in the 38th minute. The goal was set up by a cross from Facundo Medina, which Messi finished with his left foot. He secured his second goal of the match in the 90+5 minute, confirming the 2-0 result. The victory follows Argentina’s opening tournament win against Algeria, where Messi recorded a hat trick.

Reaction to the Historic Milestone

Following the match, former record-holder Miroslav Klose publicly acknowledged the achievement. In comments reported by the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Klose stated, “Lionel Messi is for me the best footballer of all time! Congratulations, champion!”

Messi, who turns 39 in two days, expressed relief regarding the team’s advancement. “I am very happy. The victory was very important, it gives us peace of mind,” the Argentina captain said after the final whistle. The performance comes during a period of personal challenges for the forward, following recent reports regarding the health of his father, Jorge Messi.

Tactical Impact and Austria’s Performance

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick had aimed for his side to demonstrate their standing among the tournament’s elite, but they struggled to contain the Argentine attack. While Borussia Dortmund’s Marcel Sabitzer created a notable chance for Austria in the 23rd minute, the team was unable to break through Argentina’s defense. Sabitzer also tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with a free kick early in the second half, which forced a save.

Despite Austria holding more possession in the second half, they were unable to equalize. Argentina’s defensive structure, combined with counter-attacking threats—including a near-miss header from Nicolás Gonzalez in the 73rd minute—kept the Austrian side at bay until Messi’s final goal sealed the result.

What Comes Next in Group Play

Argentina is scheduled to conclude its group stage campaign against Jordan on Sunday at 4:00 AM CEST (Central European Summer Time) at Dallas Stadium. Simultaneously, Austria will face Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium. Argentina’s victory ensures they progress to the Round of 16, maintaining their momentum as the reigning tournament champions.