Lionel Messi has broken the World Cup scoring record after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2–0 win over Austria on Monday night in Dallas, sealing their place in the knockout stages.
The 38-year-old captain first missed an early penalty after VAR awarded a spot-kick for a foul on Lautaro Martinez, but later opened the scoring with a trademark finish from Facundo Medina’s low cross in the first half.
The goal took his tally to 17 World Cup goals, moving him past Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time top scorer.
Messi later added a second goal in stoppage time to complete a brace and take his tournament tally to five goals in just two Group J matches, following a hat-trick against Algeria.
Despite Austria’s spirited performance, Argentina dominated proceedings and now top Group J as defending champions, strengthening their bid to retain the World Cup title.