Lionel Messi is now the top name on the World Cup goal leaders list after scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria on Monday. The record pushed him to 18 World Cup goals and sent Argentina into the knockouts from Group J with six points.
Messi’s penalty miss
The night started badly for Messi. He missed a penalty in the ninth minute, then reset the match in the 38th when he scored to move ahead of Miroslav Klose's 16.
He added a late second goal in injury time, turning a tight record chase into a clear finish. The second goal also moved him clear of Marta's 17 and left him alone at the top of the men's list.
Argentina in Dallas
Argentina won 2-0 in Dallas and secured its place in the knockouts. Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup games since 2022, and the win also gave Argentina the lead in the tournament's men's victory count.
The path to 18 has been spread across the tournament's biggest stages. Messi scored his first World Cup goal on June 16, 2006, against Serbia and Montenegro, then tied Klose with a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria on June 16, 2026.
Jordan in Texas
Argentina will close the group stage against Jordan in Texas. Messi also said, "There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it" and "Beyond anything I'm so happy for the win."
He added, "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."
