Messi sets World Cup scoring record as Argentina advances

Lionel Messi's enduring commitment and record-breaking prowess were on full display as he guided Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match, securing their passage to the knockout stage. The legendary forward netted a brace, not only ensuring the win but also etching his name further into World Cup history.

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When the team was having a rough time without the ball he worked, he managed to steal the ball. You could see his level of commitment.

With his two goals, Messi surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history. He opened the scoring in the 38th minute, moving past Klose's tally of 16 goals, and added a second in stoppage time, bringing his total World Cup count to 18. This achievement comes just days before his 39th birthday on June 24.

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I have no more words to talk about Leo. It makes us a little bit tired talking about him all the time.

Following the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded Messi's dedication, particularly his work rate off the ball. "When the team was having a rough time without the ball he worked, he managed to steal the ball. You could see his level of commitment," Scaloni stated, as quoted by Reuters. The coach emphasized that Messi's consistent high-level performances leave little more to be said.

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It had been complex. We had the peace of mind we needed toward the end. I'm so happy with Leo's performance, he scored again when we are suffering. The team did suffer today, at times they were creating difficulties and we didn't have possession. We know how to suffer and that's something praiseworthy as a team.

Scaloni described the match against Ralf Rangnick's Austrian side as complex, noting that Argentina had to maintain composure under pressure. He praised Messi's ability to score even during challenging phases of the game, highlighting the team's collective resilience. "The team knows how to behave at all times. This was an opponent that had very tall players, that posed a challenge. No one thought this would be easy," Scaloni added. The back-to-back wins in Group J have solidified Argentina's status as strong contenders heading into the decisive phase of the tournament.

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The team knows how to behave at all times. This was an opponent that had very tall players, that posed a challenge. No one thought this would be easy. The two matches we have had so far have been complex.