World Cup 2026 news: Lionel Messi breaks scoring record as Argentina beat Austria
Lionel Messi continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign by scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday, becoming the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer in the process.
The Argentina captain delivered another decisive performance in Dallas as the reigning world champions secured their place in the knockout stages with a second consecutive Group J victory.
Messi's brace not only sealed qualification for Lionel Scaloni's side, but also saw the 38-year-old add another milestone to an already extraordinary international career.
Messi makes more World Cup history
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner entered the match level with the tournament's leading scorers but left it alone at the top of the standings.
His two goals against Austria continued what has already become one of the defining individual stories of World Cup 2026.
Messi has now scored five goals at the tournament, more than any other player, and has found the net in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Only France's Just Fontaine in 1958 and Brazil's Jairzinho in 1970 had previously achieved that feat.
The latest chapter follows a record-breaking start to the tournament that also saw Messi become the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick when he struck three times against Algeria.
That performance moved him beyond Brazil legend Ronaldo as the highest-scoring South American in World Cup history.
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Argentina book knockout place
While Messi again grabbed the headlines, Argentina produced another controlled display.
Austria proved organised and difficult to break down for periods of the contest, but the holders gradually asserted themselves and looked increasingly comfortable as the match progressed.
Messi's quality ultimately provided the difference, with his two goals ensuring Argentina maintained their perfect start to the tournament.
The result guarantees Scaloni's side a place in the knockout rounds and further strengthens their status as one of the favourites to retain the trophy.
Another statement from the champions
Argentina arrived at the tournament carrying significant expectations following their previous World Cup success.
So far, they have largely lived up to them.
Victories over Algeria and Austria have yielded six points, while Messi has once again demonstrated why he remains one of football's most influential players despite approaching his 39th birthday.
His leadership, creativity and finishing continue to provide Argentina with a decisive edge on the biggest stage.
Eyes on a deeper World Cup run
With qualification secured, Argentina can now turn their attention to finishing top of Group J and building momentum ahead of the knockout stages.
For Messi, however, the evening represented yet another historic landmark.
The World Cup's all-time leading scorer, the highest-scoring South American in tournament history and now a player who has scored in six consecutive World Cup matches.
At an age when many players have long retired from international football, Messi continues to rewrite the record books.
And World Cup 2026 is rapidly becoming another tournament defined by his brilliance.
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