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:
Lionel Messi’s historic World Cup moment sheds light on a vital quality
The Texan sunlight beamed through the glass windows of the Dallas Stadium to bring a divine backdrop to Lionel Messi’s latest two-goal masterpiece.
A glorious 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record became his latest act to bolster immortal status back home in Argentina and across the world.
After a first hat-trick on this stage to swat Algeria aside, a typically delightful finish with his left instep sent the world champions on their way to a 2-0 victory over the terrier-like Austria. And a second, his 18th in the tournament’s history, came through brute force in stoppage time to extend this relentless start from the world champions, who top Group J and have a place in the last 32 sewn up.
The hottest take of the World Cup so far?
Former Everton defender Ashley Williams might’ve delivered the hottest take of the World Cup so far: Lionel Messi is in the ‘GOAT’ conversation.
“Are we looking at the greatest player ever? It’s possible,” he said on the BBC. “It’s definitely worth the debate.
“We might have just witnessed the greatest player that football has ever seen.”
Going out on a limb there, Ash!
France vs Iraq LIVE
Might be time to adjust those sets, folks!
On a big night of World Cup action, contenders France are about to take on Iraq as Kylian Mbappe looks to match or better the pace of Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot.
Click below for our live coverage of that match – or stick around for more reaction from Argentina’s win over Austria.
Alvarez hails Messi: ’20 years being the best in the world’
Striker Julian Alvarez said Lionel Messi’s longevity only made his latest surge more remarkable.
“Twenty years being the best in the world, the best in history, and he still continues to show, at his age, that he has the talent and all his magic,” Alvarez said.
Rangnick reacts to defeat
“We were brave and courageous against the ball and with the ball,” said Austria boss Ralf Rangnick, whose side have three points after beating Jordan 3-1 in their opener.
“We were in possession more than others expected but unfortunately we weren’t able to nullify every counter attack and in the second half we did a much better job except for the last five minutes.”
World Cup 2026 golden boot standings
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 5 goals
2. Deniz Undav (Germany), 3 goals (2 assists)
3. Jonathan David (Canada), 3 goals
= 4. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Maximiliano Araujo (Uruguay), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Ayase Ueda (Japan), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 9. Harry Kane (England), 2 goals
= 9. Matheus Cunha (Brazil), 2 goals
= 9. Erling Haaland (Norway), 2 goals
= 9. Yasin Ayari (Sweden), 2 goals
= 9. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 2 goals
= 9. Kai Havertz (Germany), 2 goals
= 9. Kylian Mbappe (France), 2 goals
= 9. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), 2 goals
= 9. Cyle Larin (Canada), 2 goals
= 9. Ismael Saibari (Morocco), 2 goals
= 9. Folarin Balogun (USA), 2 goals
= 9. Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), 2 goals
= 9. Daichi Kamada (Japan), 2 goals
More from Messi
“I’m very tired,” Lionel Messi said.
“I’m very happy with the win. It was a hugely important victory, a tough one, and one we worked hard for. It gives us calm for what’s coming.”
“The truth is that the way it turned out today was spectacular. I had the penalty that could have increased the lead, but I’m happy with the result and with the team’s work.”
Messi’s post-match thoughts
“We’ve already given people several joys, but we’ll try to give them more,” said Lionel Messi.
“The important thing is the qualification, winning all the matches is always in our plans.
“This whole group lives this with a lot of happiness. When we get together, we enjoy being together, competing, training, the day-to-day, and seeing the people like this.”
Argentina into the knockouts
Argentina join the USA, Mexico and Germany as the fourth team to seal their place in the World Cup knockouts.
They look set to finish Group J as leaders – something that will be confirmed if Jordan fail to beat Algeria tonight – which means they will face the runners-up of Group H.
After their draw with Uruguay last night, debutants Cape Verde could very well be in the mix to face the holders. That would be surreal for the tiny African island nation.
How all-time World Cup goalscoring charts look after Messi double
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 18 goals in 28 matches
2. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals in 24 matches
3. Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 goals in 19 matches
= 4. Gerd Muller (Germany) – 14 goals in 13 matches
= 4. Kylian Mbappe (France) – 14 goals in 15 matches
6. Just Fontaine (France) – 13 goals in six matches
7. Pele (Brazil) – 12 goals in 14 matches
= 8. Sandor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 goals in five matches
= 8. Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) – 11 goals in 17 matches
