World Cup: Messi's brace leads Argentina past Austria 2-0, into last 16

Lionel Messi etched his name further into World Cup history by scoring twice to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria. The brace propelled the Albiceleste into the tournament's knockout stage. With these two goals, Messi now holds the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history, surpassing the previous mark with his 18th career tournament goal.

The match, held in a tense atmosphere, saw Argentina dominate possession and create numerous chances. Messi's clinical finishing proved decisive, breaking down a resilient Austrian defense. His first goal came from a penalty, calmly converted, while the second was a moment of individual brilliance, showcasing his enduring skill and impact on the global stage.

This win is a significant achievement for Argentina, easing pressure after a mixed start to the competition. Messi's record-breaking performance not only secures their progression but also bolsters confidence within the squad. The focus now shifts to the next round, where Argentina will aim to leverage their star player's form and team cohesion to advance further in the quest for the World Cup title.