Messi sets World Cup scoring record as Argentina down Austria

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Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi (front) is tackled by Austria’s midfielder #04 Xaver Schlager (R) in front of Austria’s goalkeeper #01 Alexander Schlager (L) during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22, 2026. (Photo by Aric Becker / AFP)

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Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer on Monday, scoring twice as holders Argentina powered into the last 32 with a 2-0 victory over Austria.

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Messi swept home a low finish in the 38th minute of the Group J game in Arlington, Texas to take his career World Cup goals tally to 17, one clear of the previous record of 16 he shared with Miroslav Klose.

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He then extended his record to 18 goals, ramming home a finish through a crowd of defenders deep in stoppage time to put the seal on Argentina’s win.

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The eight-time Ballon D’Or winner, who turns 39 on Wednesday, had blown a chance to break the record after eight minutes when he dragged a penalty wide of the post.

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But the Argentina skipper made no mistake seven minutes before half-time, coolly placing his finish beyond the dive of Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

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He then completed his double in the fifth minute of stoppage time to take his tally for the tournament to five goals following his hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria last week.

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Monday’s victory guarantees Argentina a place in the knockout rounds of the tournament, and the South Americans could clinch top spot later Monday if Jordan fail to beat Algeria.

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– Mbappe’s century –

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Messi is now four goals clear of another player eyeing the all-time World Cup scoring record, Kylian Mbappe, who will play his 100th game for France when they meet Iraq in Philadelphia.

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“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.

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Mbappe, 27, is tied with West Germany legend Gerd Mueller on 14 goals after he netted twice in France’s opening 3-1 win against Senegal in Group I.

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France, who were beaten by Argentina on penalties in the last final in 2022, will expect to brush aside the Iraqis to guarantee a ticket to the knockout phase in a match which could be interrupted with thunderstorms forecast in Philadelphia.

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Norway and their marksman Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Iraq in a 4-1 opening win, will also be guaranteed of going through from Group I if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France defeat Iraq.

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The World Cup, though, is over for German defender Nico Schlotterbeck.

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The 26-year-old injured ligaments in his left ankle in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.

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– Cape Verde magic –

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In Sunday’s action, Spain got their campaign back on track with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia and World Cup debutants Cape Verde conjured up another memorable performance to snatch a 2-2 draw with Uruguay.

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Cape Verde coach Bubista said his team were now dreaming of a place in the knockout rounds — a scenario that would have been unthinkable before the tournament.

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“We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that’s what we showed in today’s match,” Bubista said.

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Belgium are still looking for their first win after being held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Group G.

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The Red Devils, who also drew with Egypt in their opener, finished the game in Los Angeles with 10 men and struggled to break down a resolute Iranian side.

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Iran are competing at the World Cup while their country and the United States are in negotiations to end their war.

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And the Iranian team left a handwritten message saying “may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations” following their match at SoFi Stadium.

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“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity. May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”

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Egypt moved to the top of the group on Sunday after coming from behind to claim the first World Cup victory in the country’s history, a 3-1 win over New Zealand.

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AFP

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