Lionel Messi set a new all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record with his 17th and 18th tournament goals as defending champions Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 on Monday to book their place in the Round of 32.
The Argentina captain endured a frustrating start after missing a penalty, but he quickly made amends by putting his side ahead in the 38th minute with a trademark left-footed finish.
Messi’s opener saw him surpass former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history. The strike was another landmark moment in a remarkable international career that continues to redefine football records.
The 38-year-old curled home his first goal with precision, giving Argentina a deserved lead in their second group-stage match and reinforcing his status as one of the game’s greatest players.
Austria pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, but Argentina remained disciplined at the back while threatening on the counter-attack.
As Austria committed more players forward in search of a goal, Messi struck again deep into stoppage time, squeezing a shot home from a tight angle past two defenders to seal a 2-0 victory.
The Inter Miami star is enjoying a sensational start to the tournament. After scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 opening win over Algeria, his brace against Austria takes his tally to five goals in just two matches, placing him firmly among the favourites for the Golden Boot award.
Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, matching a feat achieved only by France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho. With another group game against Jordan still to come, the Argentine legend has an opportunity to set yet another record as he continues to lead his nation’s title defence.
