Messi sets new World Cup goal record as Argentina defeats Austria

Lionel Messi cemented his legendary status by scoring a record-breaking 17th and 18th career World Cup goals in Argentina's 2-0 win against Austria on Monday. The brace surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals.

“

Well, I'm very happy because of this victory. This was a very important and tough victory. We worked very hard on it. And that reassures us for what's coming next.

At 38, Messi continues to defy age, with 11 of his historic 18 World Cup goals scored since turning 35. His goal tally from just the last two tournaments would place him seventh on the all-time scoring list. The veteran forward's first record-setting goal came in the 38th minute, assisted by Facundo Medina, while his second was a late stoppage-time finish.

"Well, I'm very happy because of this victory," Messi said through an interpreter after the match. "This was a very important and tough victory. We worked very hard on it. And that reassures us for what's coming next." He acknowledged the intensity of World Cup matches, noting the team's satisfaction with securing six points and qualifying for the next stage.

“

This is a World Cup. All of the matches are very intense, and all of the teams play well. And we're happy because we have six points and we're qualified.

Messi, who recently became one of the first two players to compete in six World Cups alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, had entered the tournament trailing Klose. After scoring a hat trick in Argentina's opener against Algeria, he drew even with Klose before setting a new benchmark against Austria. He also matched a World Cup record by scoring in his sixth consecutive match, a streak that began in the 2022 tournament.

“

I don't remember, really. I'm tired. I don't have a lot of strength and it's hard to think for me right now. So I'm just enjoying this moment and I want to join my colleagues.