Lionel Messi has become the leading scorer in World Cup history after netting twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria, a result that confirmed the defending champions’ place in the last 32.
The Argentina captain, widely regarded as the greatest of all time, opened the scoring late in the first half in Texas on Monday with a trademark left-footed finish following a slick team move.
The strike took his World Cup tally to 18 goals, adding to the hat-trick he scored in Argentina’s opening match of the tournament.
However, the 38-year-old forward had earlier endured frustration from the penalty spot after missing an early opportunity in front of a crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys.
With qualification on the line for both sides, Lautaro Martinez was brought down in the box after being sandwiched by two Austrian defenders, prompting a VAR review that led referee Amin Mohamed to award a penalty in the ninth minute.
Messi stepped up amid a loud atmosphere, but his slow run-up ended with a weak effort drifting wide of the target.
Despite his reputation, the Argentina star has had an inconsistent record from penalties in recent major tournaments, having also missed against Poland at the 2022 World Cup and in the 2018 edition.
He also came close to scoring in the 19th minute, but Austria captain David Alaba intervened at the last moment to dispossess him as he broke through on goal.
Alaba denied him again shortly after the half-hour mark, blocking a shot with goalkeeper Alexander Schlager out of position.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria side, who had beaten Jordan 3-1 in their opening game, spent much of the first half defending deep and did not register a shot on target before the break.
Argentina eventually made the breakthrough on 38 minutes when Facundo Medina set up Messi, with Thiago Almada cleverly allowing the ball to run through his legs, leaving the forward with an open finish.
The goal was met with huge celebration from the Argentina supporters, who outnumbered their Austrian counterparts inside the stadium.
Lionel Scaloni’s team struggled to extend their lead after halftime, as the match became more subdued with limited chances at both ends.
Austria showed slightly more attacking intent in the second half, although Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was only seriously tested once.
Messi, however, had the final say deep into stoppage time.
Julian Alvarez’s initial effort was saved by Schlager, but the rebound fell kindly for Messi, who saw his first attempt blocked before reacting quickest to fire a low shot into the net from close range.
Speaking to Telemundo, Messi said he was “enjoying the moment” and seeing how far his side can go.
“I’m really happy about the win, especially as it’s such a crucial victory, hard-fought and well-earned, but one that gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead,” he said.
“This is the World Cup; it was a very evenly matched, very intense match, and we’re happy to have picked up six points and to have already qualified.”
