Lionel Messi has become the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas. The 38-year-old captain moved to 18 goals in the competition’s history, surpassing Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 17, on the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona’s famous brace against England in 1986.
Penalty miss precedes historic brace
The evening began imperfectly when Messi failed to convert an early spot-kick. After Lautaro Martínez was adjudged to have been fouled in the area by Stefan Posch and Xaver Schlager, Messi scuffed his penalty wide of Alexander Schlager’s left post. However, he atoned seven minutes before half-time when he received Facundo Medina’s cutback and swept home with his left foot to claim the outright record.
Messi sealed the victory with virtually the final action of the match, collecting his fifth goal in just two games at this tournament. Julián Álvarez was heavily involved in the build-up to the late strike that secured the points.
Austria test holders but fall short
Ralf Rangnick’s side threatened to complicate Messi’s landmark evening during an enterprising second-half display. Marcel Sabitzer drew a block from Cristian Romero before forcing Emiliano Martínez to parry a free-kick, while Michael Gregoritsch headed over from a promising position. Romero was eventually replaced by Nicolás Otamendi after committing a series of fouls.
Austria’s coach acknowledged Messi’s quality but disputed the opening goal, alleging that Alexis Mac Allister had fouled Xaver Schlader in the immediate buildup. “We know Messi is on a level of his own,” Rangnick stated, adding that in his view “the VAR was not brave enough to tell the referee about the foul committed.”
Reactions to a historic night
Messi described the achievement as “special” despite the earlier penalty miss. “I enjoy playing, having a good time on the pitch. I wasn’t necessarily having one on the penalty, but with luck we were able to work through that situation,” he said. The forward, who turns 39 on Wednesday, added that securing six points would allow the squad a “calmer week” ahead.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain’s defensive work during difficult periods. “When the team was having a tough time without possession of the ball he worked, he managed to steal the ball, you could see his level of commitment,” Scaloni explained.
Álvarez, who provided the assist for the second goal, added: “At his age, he continues to show his talent and all his magic. There isn’t much to say. We all see it, he’s the best in the world.”
Tournament implications
The result guarantees Argentina’s place in the last 32 and leaves them on the brink of winning Group J with a game to spare. Austria, despite producing what Rangnick had demanded as their best display of his reign, must wait to learn their fate.
Messi’s prolific start to the tournament positions him as the favourite for the Golden Boot as the defending champions progress to the knockout stages.