Lionel Messi wrote another chapter in FIFA World Cup history on 22 June 2026, scoring twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 at Dallas Stadium to book their place in the Round of 32 from Group J.
After missing an early penalty, Messi responded with goals in the 38th minute and deep into stoppage time (90+5), a brace that also took him to 18 FIFA World Cup goals overall and made him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, eclipsing Miroslav Klose’s 16.
The victory also moved Messi to the top of this tournament’s Golden Boot standings, while Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions reached the knockouts with two wins and six points.
How Argentina 2-0 Austria unfolded
Argentina’s key figure was central from the outset, even if the opening moments did not go to plan. Messi missed an early penalty, giving Austria belief and keeping the contest finely balanced.
Austria, described as spirited, had moments that tested Argentina, with David Alaba producing decisive blocks to frustrate the reigning champions. But Argentina’s breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute through a move that showcased their quality in tight spaces.
Thiago Almada’s dummy helped the ball run through to Messi inside the area, where Facundo Medina’s delivery found him. Messi then opened the scoring by stroking a finish into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
Austria’s best chance to respond came via a Marcel Sabitzer free-kick, taken on his 100th international appearance, but Ralf Rangnick’s side ultimately struggled to break down Argentina. Nico Gonzalez also went close for Argentina as the match remained in the balance late on.
With Austria pushing for an equaliser and the game still tight, Messi struck again in injury time. His second goal arrived at 90+5, sealing the 2-0 win and ensuring Argentina’s celebrations were not interrupted by a late twist.
FIFA noted the day’s added significance, with the match played on the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona’s famous wonder goal against England.
Record-setting numbers for Messi
Messi’s brace did more than decide the match. It took him to 18 goals at the FIFA World Cup, a tally boosted by his hat-trick in the opener against Algeria, and moved him clear at the top of the competition’s all-time scoring list.
A key stat from the match report underlined his consistency: Messi joined France’s Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil’s Jairzinho (1970) as the only three players to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Messi was also named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after making the difference once again for Argentina, as he has done in seven of the last nine Albiceleste World Cup games, according to FIFA’s report.
What they said after Argentina’s win
Messi highlighted the importance of the result and the early qualification: “To be honest, I’m really happy about the win, especially as it’s such a crucial victory, hard-fought and well-earned, but one that gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead. This is the World Cup; it was a very evenly matched, very intense match, and we’re happy to have picked up six points and to have already qualified.”
Austria forward Michael Gregoritsch pointed to a lack of opportunities and the late second goal’s impact: “We wanted to be tough and play our game. In the end, we lacked clear chances. The goal that made it 2-0 at the end hurts a bit in terms of our goal difference. Now we need to recover and win against Algeria.”
Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez praised Messi’s level and Argentina’s performance: “He is the a class above. I don’t have the words. It is a great feeling that he is Argentinian. We have to cherish him. We deserved the win today.”
Julian Alvarez added: “There isn’t much to do say – we can all see that he [Messi] is the best in the world. I am helping the team as much as I can. We have started with our foot on the accelerator and we have to carry on like this.”
