Austria 0-2 Argentina: Messi Nets Brace to Become the World Cup's All-Time Leading Scorer

Game is over and the final score is Argentina 2-0 Austria. Here is the match report.

Match Report

Lionel Messi added yet another chapter to his unparalleled international legacy on Monday, scoring twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and securing his place as the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer.

The reigning world champions were made to work hard by a disciplined Austrian side, but once again it was Messi who proved decisive. The Argentine captain struck in the 38th minute to surpass Germany legend Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals, before adding another deep into stoppage time to seal victory and move onto 18 goals in the competition.

The historic moment came after an eventful first half for the 38-year-old. Messi had the chance to break the record earlier from the penalty spot, but his effort was denied. Undeterred, he responded in trademark fashion, finishing off a flowing team move with a precise left-footed strike after excellent work from Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the sea of Argentine supporters inside Dallas Stadium as Messi stood alone atop the World Cup scoring charts.

Austria, who entered the match on the back of a 3-1 win over Jordan, began brightly and attempted to press Argentina high up the pitch. Midfielders Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer disrupted Argentina's rhythm in spells, while David Alaba marshalled the defense effectively for long stretches. Yet Austria struggled to translate their energy into clear-cut chances against a well-organized Argentine back line.

Argentina gradually assumed control through Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández, whose composure in midfield allowed Lionel Scaloni's side to dictate possession. Lautaro Martínez came close to doubling the advantage midway through the second half, while Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager was forced into several important interventions to keep the scoreline respectable.

As Austria pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer, spaces began to open. Messi exploited one of those gaps in stoppage time, calmly finishing a counterattack to put the result beyond doubt and cap another memorable evening in his extraordinary World Cup career.

The brace extended Messi's remarkable scoring streak to six consecutive World Cup matches and came just days after his hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's tournament opener. Having entered the competition tied with Klose on 16 goals, he now stands alone at the summit of World Cup history.

With two wins from two matches, Argentina moved to the brink of securing top spot in Group J and continued their title defense in impressive fashion. Austria, meanwhile, remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds but will likely need a positive result against Algeria in their final group-stage fixture.

For Messi, however, the night belonged to history.

Twenty years after making his World Cup debut, and just days before his 39th birthday, football's most decorated icon once again reminded the world why his name remains synonymous with greatness.

Line-ups

Argentina XI: Messi, E. Martinez, De Paul, Lautaro, Molina, Cristian Romero, Mac Allister, Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martinez, Thiago Almada, Enzo

Subs: Otamendi, Tagliafico, Gerónimo Rulli, Paredes, Musso, Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Senesi, N. Gonzalez, Alvarez, Flaco López, Giuliano Simeone, Valentín Barco, Nico Paz

Austria XI: Alaba, Gregoritsch, Sabitzer, Alexander Schlager, S.Posch, Laimer, Schlager, Danso, Romano Schmid, Nicolas Seiwald, Paul Wanner

Subs: Arnautovic, Phillipp Mwene, Grillitsch, A. Schöpf, Lienhart, Patrick Pentz, Sasa Kalajdzic, Dejan Ljubicic, Friedl, Michael Svoboda, Florian Wiegele, Alexander Prass, Patrick Wimmer, David Affengruber, Chukwuemeka