Messi Sets New World Cup Scoring Record as Argentina Defeats Austria to Advance to the Knockout Stage

Lionel Messi, Argentina's star forward, surpassed Miroslav Klose's all‑time World Cup goal record after scoring twice against Austria, according to Sky Sports.

Competing in his record‑equalling sixth World Cup, Messi had tied the 16‑goal benchmark set by Germany's Miroslav Klose with a hat‑trick in the opening match against Algeria.

He then added two more goals against Austria, surpassing the record and moving two clear ahead in the standings.

Messi's first goal was a beautiful left‑foot finish that gave Argentina the lead in the 39th minute at Arlington.

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His second goal arrived in second‑half injury time after Argentina caught Austria on the counter‑attack; the 38‑year‑old passed to Julian Alvarez, whose shot was blocked, and Messi collected the rebound to score.

The brace brings Messi, the Argentine captain, to five goals in the 2026 World Cup.

Messi began the match poorly, missing a penalty within the first ten minutes when he angled it wide of the right‑hand post, and he also missed several other opportunities before finally scoring.

Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, have secured a spot in the round of 32 with a win over Austria; Messi still has at least one more guaranteed match to extend his lead. They will play Jordan on Sunday, June 28, in the final Group J fixture.