Just when it seemed destiny had momentarily deserted him, Lionel Messi produced yet another unforgettable chapter in his extraordinary career.
The Argentina captain missed an early penalty, endured moments of visible frustration, but ultimately rose above it all to become the greatest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
His stunning brace inspired reigning champions Argentina to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas.
On a night packed with drama, broken records and huge consequences, Messi scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals to move clear of Germany legend Miroslav Klose and fire Argentina into the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The victory also ensured that Lionel Scaloni’s side officially booked their place in the Round of 32 with a second consecutive win in Group J.
Messi Misses Golden Opportunity to Make History
History appeared ready to arrive inside the opening 10 minutes.
Argentina were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute after Austrian defender, Stefan Posch fouled Lautaro Martínez inside the box, with Xaver Schlager also involved in the challenge.
The stage was perfectly set.
One goal would have seen Messi move past Klose and become the outright leading scorer in men’s World Cup history.
But in a rare moment of imperfection, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner dragged his stuttering spot-kick wide of the right post, leaving fans inside Dallas stunned.
For a brief moment, football’s greatest record-breaker had been denied.
Messi admitted afterward that the miss affected him deeply.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said.
History Finally Arrives in Dallas
As great champions often do, Messi responded in spectacular fashion.
After nearly 30 minutes of relentless pressure from Argentina, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute.
Facundo Medina delivered a dangerous cutback into the area, and Thiago Almada brilliantly allowed the ball to run through his legs.
Waiting behind him was Messi.
Without hesitation, the Inter Miami superstar swept a magnificent first-time effort beyond Austrian goalkeeper, Alexander Schlager to send the crowd into delirium.
The goal not only gave Argentina the lead but also etched Messi’s name permanently into football folklore.
Goal number 17.
World Cup record broken.
Messi had officially moved past Klose’s tally of 16 goals, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
The strike came just four days after Messi had equalled Klose’s record with a sensational hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria.
Austria Fight Back but Martínez Stands Firm
Austria, managed by former Manchester United boss, Ralf Rangnick, refused to surrender.
Despite trailing, they continued to threaten and nearly found an equaliser in the second half.
Marcel Sabitzer, making his 100th international appearance, unleashed a fierce free-kick that appeared destined for the net.
However, Argentina goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez produced a superb save, diving to push the powerful effort away and preserve his side’s lead.
The save proved crucial.
Moments later, Messi would strike again.
Messi Seals It in Injury Time
Deep into second-half stoppage time, Argentina launched one final attack.
Julian Álvarez saw his effort brilliantly saved by Schlager, but the loose ball fell kindly to Messi.
Surrounded by defenders and operating from a tight angle, the Argentine magician somehow squeezed his effort through a crowded penalty area and into the net.
The goal sealed Argentina’s 2-0 victory and extended Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring record to 18 goals.
The strike also ensured that Messi moved beyond Brazilian legend Marta, who scored 17 goals in Women’s World Cup history, making him the outright highest scorer across both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
– Read More: MESSI World Cup Tears Explained as Father Jorge Battles Health Scare
– Read More: Messi Rewrites World Cup Record Books with Crushing Hat-Trick vs Algeria
– Read More: 2026 FIFAWC: Is Lionel Messi Truly Injured?
Argentina March Into Knockout Rounds
The victory means Argentina now sit top of Group J with six points from two matches and have officially secured qualification for the World Cup Round of 32.
The defending champions join Mexico, the United States and Germany as teams already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages.
La Albiceleste could also be confirmed as Group J winners should Jordan fail to defeat Algeria later in the day.
Argentina will conclude their group-stage campaign against Jordan in Texas.
Austria, who defeated Jordan in their opening game, remain on three points and still have qualification hopes alive ahead of their final group match against Algeria.
Messi’s Incredible Numbers Continue to Defy Logic
At almost 39 years old (he celebrates his birthday on Wednesday), Messi continues to redefine greatness.
The Argentina captain has now:
- Scored 18 World Cup goals, the most in tournament history.
- Moved clear of Miroslav Klose (16) at the top of the all-time list.
- Scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, becoming only the third player ever to achieve the feat after France’s Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil’s Jairzinho (1970).
- Extended his tally to 122 international goals in 201 appearances for Argentina.
- Scored all five of Argentina’s goals at the 2026 World Cup so far.
- Registered an astonishing 12 World Cup goals after turning 35.
- Extended Argentina’s World Cup winning streak to eight matches, dating back to their shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia in Qatar in 2022.
Messi’s first World Cup goal arrived on June 16, 2006, against Serbia and Montenegro as an 18-year-old prodigy.
Twenty years later, the now-veteran captain continues to dominate football’s grandest stage.
Earlier in the tournament, Messi had already become the first player in history to appear in six different men’s World Cups.
Now, he stands alone atop another mountain.
Messi Puts Team Success Above Individual Glory
Despite rewriting the record books once again, Messi insisted that the victory itself mattered more than the individual accolades.
“Beyond anything I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said.
“It was huge, tough and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed to what’s ahead.”
“All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy with my teammates.”
World Cup All-Time Top Goalscorers
- Lionel Messi (Argentina, 2006-2026) – 18 goals
- Miroslav Klose (Germany, 2002-2014) – 16 goals
- Ronaldo (Brazil, 1994-2006) – 15 goals
- Gerd Müller (West Germany, 1970-1974) – 14 goals
- Kylian Mbappé (France, 2018-2026) – 14 goals
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Just Fontaine (France, 1958) – 13 goals
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Pele (Brazil, 1958-1970) – 12 goals
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Sandor Kocsis (Hungary, 1954) – 11 goals
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Jurgen Klinsmann (West Germany and Germany, 1990-1998) – 11 goals
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Helmut Rahn (West Germany, 1954-1958) – 10 goals
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Gary Lineker (England, 1986-1990) – 10 goals
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Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina, 1994-2002) – 10 goals
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Harry Kane (England, 2018-2026) – 10 goals
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Teofilo Cubillas (Peru, 1970-1982) – 10 goals
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Thomas Muller (Germany, 2010-2022) – 10 goals
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Grzegorz Lato (Poland, 1974-1982) – 10 goals
On a night that began with frustration and a missed penalty, Lionel Messi once again proved why football’s biggest stage remains his playground.
History had to wait but only for 29 minutes.
