Messi Two goals Sends Argentina Into Knockout Stage

Lionel Messi has once again written his name into football history, scoring twice to lead Argentina past Austria and into the knockout stage of the World Cup. The 2-0 victory in Arlington, Texas, not only secured Argentina’s progress but also elevated Messi to the top of the tournament’s all-time scoring chart.

The Argentina captain struck first in the 38th minute, calmly finishing past Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. That goal pushed him to 17 World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16. Messi then added another in stoppage time, driving the ball through a crowded defence to seal the win and extend his tally to 18.

The achievement came just days before Messi’s 39th birthday, underscoring his longevity and consistency at the highest level. His brace against Austria followed a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria, bringing his total to five goals in this tournament alone.

Messi had earlier missed a chance to break the record when he dragged a penalty wide in the eighth minute. But he recovered quickly, showing composure and precision when it mattered most. His performance ensured Argentina’s safe passage to the last 32, with the possibility of topping Group J depending on other results later in the day.

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The victory also highlighted Argentina’s resilience as defending champions. While Austria offered resistance, they struggled to contain Messi’s influence. His leadership and finishing proved decisive, reminding the football world of his enduring impact.

Beyond Argentina’s triumph, Messi’s record has intensified the race among top strikers. France’s Kylian Mbappe, who faces Iraq in Philadelphia, remains four goals behind on 14. Mbappe, set to mark his 100th international appearance, is chasing history himself but now faces a steeper climb.

Elsewhere in Group I, Norway’s Erling Haaland continues to impress, having scored twice in their opening win against Iraq. Spain bounced back with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, while Cape Verde earned a spirited 2-2 draw against Uruguay, keeping their knockout hopes alive.

In Group G, Belgium remain winless after a goalless draw with Iran. The match carried symbolic weight, with Iran’s players leaving a message calling for peace and friendship among nations. Egypt, meanwhile, celebrated their first-ever World Cup win, defeating New Zealand 3-1 to top the group.

For Argentina, however, the spotlight remains firmly on Messi. His record-breaking feat has added another chapter to his storied career. With Argentina safely through, attention now turns to how far Messi can extend his tally and whether he can inspire his team to another title.