Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champion Argentina advances to knockout stage
Jun 22, 2026, 12:09 PM
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Austria with teammates during the World Cup Group J soccer match in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Credit: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.
Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty kick. Almost 30 minutes later, Messi caught Alexander Schlager leaning the wrong way after Thiago Almada let Facuno Medina’s pass go by him directly onto Messi’s left foot.
Messi scored again in injury time to move two ahead of Germany striker Miroslav Klose.
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