Messi, who had earlier missed a penalty, swept Argentina into a 38th-minute lead and wrapped up victory on the counter-attack in added time as Austria pushed in vain for an equaliser.
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Lionel Messi set the outright all-time World Cup scoring record with his 17th and 18th goals in the tournament as holders Argentina beat Austria 2-0 to reach the last 32 on Monday.
Messi, who had earlier missed a penalty, swept Argentina into a 38th-minute lead and wrapped up victory on the counter-attack in added time as Austria pushed in vain for an equaliser.
