Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer on Monday, netting both goals as defending champions Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria to advance to the last 32.
Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute of the Group J match in Arlington, Texas, bringing his career World Cup total to 17 goals—surpassing the previous record of 16 he shared with Miroslav Klose. He then extended his record to 18, driving home a shot through a crowded penalty area deep into stoppage time to seal Argentina’s win.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 39 on Wednesday, missed an early opportunity to break the record after sending a penalty wide in the eighth minute.
However, he made amends just before halftime, calmly slotting the ball past Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Messi’s stoppage-time second took his tournament tally to five, following a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria last week.
Monday’s result guarantees Argentina a place in the knockout rounds, with the chance to top the group if Jordan fails to beat Algeria later in the day. I’m very happy with the victory, Messi said afterwards.
It was hugely important, tough, and hard-fought, and it gives us peace of mind for what’s ahead. The match was evenly balanced and intense, and we’re happy to have earned six points.
Mbappe’s Milestone
Meanwhile, French forward Kylian Mbappe is also chasing World Cup history. He is poised to play his 100th game for France when they face Iraq in Philadelphia. “There is nothing bigger—100 is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me, Mbappe said on Sunday.
Mbappe, 27, is tied with German legend Gerd Muller on 14 World Cup goals, after scoring twice in France’s 3-1 opening win over Senegal in Group I. France, who lost to Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final, are strong favorites to defeat Iraq and secure their place in the knockout stage, though thunderstorms in Philadelphia could disrupt the match.
Norway and their star striker Erling Haaland, who scored twice in the 4-1 victory over Iraq, will also qualify from Group I if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France overcomes Iraq.
Injury Blow for Germany
Germany suffered a setback as defender Nico Schlotterbeck, 26, was ruled out of the tournament after injuring ligaments in his left ankle during Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast.
Cape Verde’s Magic
Elsewhere, Spain revived their campaign with a 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia, while World Cup newcomers Cape Verde produced another memorable performance, earning a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. Belgium is still searching for its first win after a goalless draw with Iran in Group G. The Red Devils, who also drew with Egypt in their opener, finished the game in Los Angeles with ten men and struggled to break down a resolute Iranian defense.
The Iranian team, competing while their country remains in negotiations with the United States to end their war, left a handwritten message at SoFi Stadium: May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations. The note read, We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity. May peace, respect, and friendship prevail
