Messi Sets World Cup Scoring Record With Brace Against Austria

Lionel Messi cemented his status as football's greatest of all time by setting a new World Cup scoring record. His two goals against Austria propelled Argentina into the tournament's Round of 32, marking his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals.

“

His brace against Austria sent the Albiceleste into the Round of 32 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in North America.

The Inter Miami forward surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals scored between 2002 and 2014. Messi achieved this milestone in the 38th minute of the match in Dallas, with a precise finish inside the penalty area. He added his second goal in second-half stoppage time, firing past defenders from a tight angle.

Despite missing a penalty early in the game, Messi's historic night saw him score in his sixth consecutive World Cup match, a feat previously accomplished only by France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho. He is currently the top scorer in the 2026 competition with five goals in two games.

“

Messi’s milestone moment came in the 38th minute of the Group J encounter in Dallas, sweeping home a first-time finish from just inside the penalty area after Thiago Almada had cleverly let Facundo Medina’s pull-back go through his legs to tee up his team-mate.

Argentina's victory, combined with other group results, ensures their place in the knockout stage. The team, with six points, now awaits confirmation of their group standing. Austria, despite the loss, remains in contention for a spot in the next round.

“

The talismanic frontman’s second came in second-half stoppage time as he fired home from a tight angle past two Austrian defenders after Julian Alvarez had been denied by keeper Alexander Schlager.