Lionel Messi has become the World Cup’s highest goalscorer in history after scoring twice to help Argentina defeat Austria in a Group J match in Dallas. The 38-year-old captain recovered from an early penalty miss to claim the record on the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona’s iconic strikes against England in Mexico.
Missed penalty precedes historic landmark
Messi’s landmark evening began with a rare failure from the spot. After Lautaro Martínez was adjudged to have been fouled in the box by Stefan Posch and Xaver Schlager following a video review, Messi stepped up but scuffed his effort wide of Alexander Schlager’s left post. The miss briefly emboldened Austria, who pushed forward through Marcel Sabitzer and saw a half-volley blocked by Cristian Romero.
The Argentina captain atoned seven minutes before half-time. Thiago Almada manoeuvred play left to Facundo Medina, and his cutback was swept home first-time by Messi with his left foot. The goal, his fourth of the tournament, confirmed his status as the competition’s greatest ever marksman and sparked jubilant scenes among the heavily Argentina-supporting crowd.
Austria threaten but Messi seals progress
Austria continued to test the holders after the interval. Romano Schmid went close before Emiliano Martínez parried a Sabitzer free-kick, while David Alaba made a crucial interception to deny Messi earlier in the move. The pressure prompted a defensive change, with Nicolás Otamendi replacing Cristian Romero following a series of fouls. Michael Gregoritsch also headed over for Ralf Rangnick’s side during a competitive second period that saw Austria create several slick attacking patterns.
Rangnick had demanded his side produce their best display of his reign, and they caused Argentina significant problems throughout. However, their profligacy in front of goal proved costly against a team propelled by Messi’s individual brilliance.
Messi sealed the victory with the game’s final action, grabbing his fifth goal in two matches at this tournament. The result virtually guarantees Argentina will win Group J, putting the defending champions in a commanding position ahead of the knockout stages.
The occasion carried added significance as it fell exactly four decades after Maradona’s Hand of God and slalom finish against England. Dallas itself holds mixed memories for Argentine football, having hosted Maradona’s final international appearance at USA 94 before his doping ban. Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, now stands alone at the summit of World Cup goalscoring history, with a first Golden Boot increasingly within reach.