Lionel Messi made more World Cup history on Monday, as he scored twice for Argentina against Austria – breaking and then extending the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Messi had entered the game level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals, and he struck once in each half here to build on his hat-trick in an opening 3-0 win over Algeria.
The 38-year-old’s goals against Austria actually came after he missed an early penalty, and they ensured a 2-0 win, putting the defending champions firmly at the top of the Group J table.
Meanwhile, Austria suffered a setback after their initial 3-1 victory over Jordan, but Ralf Rangnick’s men are still well poised to reach the knockout stage.
Follow all of the latest from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:
The first time was so nice…
Argentina and Messi in dreamland
Messi decided to do it on his own after Alvarez failed to capitalise on his majestic pass.
Paredes had the intelligence to square to Messi, whose first effort was blocked, but then a second, bludgeoned towards goal, clinched it.
Argentina in dreamland, two wins from two games, five goals scored and zero conceded. It’s now 18 World Cup goals for Messi and counting.
Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium22 June 2026 20:09
FULL-TIME! Argentina 2-0 Austria
Lionel Messi made more World Cup history on Monday, as he scored twice for Argentina against Austria – breaking and then extending the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Messi had entered the game level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals, and he struck once in each half here to build on his hat-trick in an opening 3-0 win over Algeria.
The 38-year-old’s goals against Austria actually came after he missed an early penalty, and they ensured a 2-0 win, putting the defending champions firmly at the top of the Group J table.
Meanwhile, Austria suffered a setback after their initial 3-1 victory over Jordan, but Ralf Rangnick’s men are still well poised to reach the knockout stage.
FULL-TIME! Argentina 2-0 Austria
It wasn’t a bad effort… but it flashes just wide. And that’s all she wrote!
History for Lionel Messi. Knockouts for Argentina.
Argentina 2-0 Austria
90+8 mins: Argentina have a free-kick from 35 yards out to finish this one off.
Messi stands over it… surely not back-to-back hat-tricks?!
GOAL! Argentina 2-0 Austria (Messi, 90+5′)
YOU CANNOT KEEP THIS MAN OUT!
It’s a great breakaway that sees Lionel Messi threaded down the right – he brilliantly finds Julian Alvarez who should score, only to be denied by the Austria keeper, but Messi keeps the chance alive.
He darts past one before having his first shot blocked on the line, but he follows up again and fires home!
That takes his tally to 18 – two clear of Miroslav Klose. The Messi history show continues!
Argentina 1-0 Austria
90+3 mins: CHANCE! That was the moment for Austria!
A free-kick is lofted towards the back post for Danso, who heads it across for Wimmer to meet – but his effort goes just wide!
Argentina 1-0 Austria
90+2 mins: No, they can’t, as Messi’s free-kick sails over everyone and Austria clear.
In the other half, Paredes catches his man late and ends up in the book.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
90+1 mins: Five minutes added on. Still only the slender lead for the holders, but they’ve managed the game pretty well to this point.
Argentina have a free-kick on the left side of the box. Messi stands over it; can they finish it off?
Argentina 1-0 Austria
89 mins: Today will be all about Lionel Messi presuming the scoreline stays like this, but that was a rare poor moment from the Argentina talisman as he sloppily gives the ball away, allowing Austria to break.
They win a free-kick in the Argentina half but nothing comes from it, with Austria’s players showing very little inspiration or urgency before a cross sails nicely into the hands of Martinez.
Will Castle22 June 2026 19:55NewerOlder