ARLINGTON, TEXAS June 22, 2026 – Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass performance, scoring twice to shatter the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record as Argentina cruised to a 2-0 victory over Austria at AT&T Stadium. The win secured the defending champions’ place in the knockout stages with a perfect record in Group J.
Messi, who turned 39 just days after the match, opened the scoring in the 38th minute with his 17th career World Cup goal, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose. He added a second in stoppage time (90’+5′) for his 18th, putting the record out of reach for the foreseeable future. The Argentine captain also missed a penalty earlier in the first half.
The Albiceleste dominated from the outset, building on their impressive 3-0 opening win over Algeria where Messi had already netted a hat-trick. Today’s result leaves Argentina with six points from two matches, goal difference +5, and top of the group. Austria, despite showing moments of resilience, managed just 0.5 xG and failed to seriously test goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Key Moments
- Early pressure: Argentina controlled possession and created multiple chances before the penalty award around the 30-minute mark.
- Messi’s milestone: After converting the opener, Messi celebrated with his signature “I don’t know” shrug, now etched deeper into football immortality.
- Clinical finish: The second goal in added time sealed the result and sent Argentine fans at the stadium — and back home — into ecstasy.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s maturity: “We are playing with joy and confidence. Messi is obviously special, but this group is hungry to defend the title.” The victory marks Argentina’s strong start to their title defense, contrasting with their rocky 2022 opener.
With advancement confirmed, Argentina can now rotate players and prepare for their final group match. Fans worldwide celebrated another chapter in Messi’s legendary career as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to rewrite history at 38 (soon 39).
Full-time score: Argentina 2-0 Austria
Goals: Messi (38′, 90’+5′)
Argentina moves on to the Round of 32. The football world watches — can they repeat as champions? 🇦🇷
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