FIFA 26: Messi sets new World Cup record as Argentina defeat Austria

ARLINGTON,: Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history on Monday, netting twice in a 2-0 victory over Austria to guide the defending champions into the knockout stage.

The 38-year-old forward scored his 17th World Cup goal in the first half to move ahead of former Germany striker Miroslav Klose and claim the tournament’s all-time scoring record. He then added an 18th goal deep into stoppage time to seal Argentina’s second consecutive victory.

Speaking after the match, Messi said he was delighted with the result, describing it as a crucial and difficult win that would boost the team’s confidence for the challenges ahead.

“This was a very important and tough victory. We worked very hard on it, and that reassures us for what’s coming next,” he said, adding that every World Cup match was intense and that qualification with six points was a source of satisfaction for the squad.

Messi’s record-breaking strike came in the 38th minute when he met a pass from Facundo Medina and fired a first-time left-footed effort into the net from inside the penalty area. He completed his brace five minutes into added time after following up his own rebound on a swift counterattack.

The Argentine superstar could have reached the milestone even earlier after Argentina were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute when Lautaro Martínez was fouled in the box. However, Messi sent the spot-kick wide. Reflecting on the miss, he joked that perhaps scoring the penalty would have prevented the goals that followed. “You never know,” he said, adding that he was happiest with the team’s performance and collective effort.

The latest feat adds another chapter to Messi’s remarkable World Cup legacy. Having become one of only two players, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, to appear in six World Cups, he has now scored 18 goals in the competition, with 11 of them coming after his 35th birthday.

His opener against Austria also saw him equal another World Cup record, becoming only the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho.

When asked to pick his favourite World Cup goal, Messi admitted exhaustion had caught up with him. He said he could not remember, adding that he simply wanted to enjoy the moment and celebrate with his teammates after another memorable night in Argentina colours.