Image: from Squawka X @Squawka
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Argentina secured qualification for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas, a match that once again belonged to captain Lionel Messi.
The reigning world champions collected their second consecutive win in Group J and advanced to the Round of 32 after a performance highlighted by Messi’s historic goalscoring achievement. Despite missing an early penalty, the Argentine superstar responded with a decisive brace that saw him become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
*Lionel Messi Becomes All-Time Leading Goalscorer in Men’s World Cup History*
Lionel Messi etched his name further into football immortality by becoming the outright all-time leading goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history.
The 38-year-old Argentine captain scored in the… pic.twitter.com/C87PfIYozw
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Early Penalty Misses to Deter Argentina
Argentina began the match with intensity and nearly took the lead after only four minutes.
A VAR review determined that striker Lautaro Martínez had been fouled inside the penalty area following a challenge involving Austrian defenders. Messi stepped forward to take the spot kick but unexpectedly sent his effort wide of the target.
The miss did little to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm.
Coach Lionel Scaloni’s side controlled possession throughout much of the first half, although Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, remained disciplined defensively and aggressive in pressing high up the pitch.
Austria’s organization caused occasional problems for Argentina’s build-up play, but the Europeans struggled to convert turnovers into meaningful chances.
Historic Goal Breaks the Deadlock
Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager played a crucial role in keeping the score level during the opening stages.
He denied Messi in a one-on-one situation and later rushed off his line to stop Enzo Fernández after the midfielder broke through on goal.
However, Austria’s resistance finally ended in the 39th minute.
A flowing team move saw Facundo Medina deliver a low cross into the area. Thiago Almada cleverly allowed the ball to run through, creating space for Messi, who calmly finished from the edge of the box.
The goal carried historic significance.
With the strike, Messi moved past former German forward Miroslav Klose to become the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
Austria Pushes Back
Austria emerged from halftime determined to challenge the defending champions.
Marcel Sabitzer nearly surprised goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with a dangerous free kick, while the Austrian press continued to disrupt Argentina’s attempts to control the tempo.
Despite Austria’s efforts, the clearest opportunities continued to fall Argentina’s way.
Enzo Fernández threatened on the counterattack, while substitute Nico González repeatedly found dangerous spaces behind the Austrian defense.
Messi remained at the center of nearly every Argentine attacking move.
Late Drama and Messi’s Second
Austria came closest to equalizing in the 82nd minute when Patrick Wimmer found himself in an excellent position inside the box.
Argentina defender Facundo Medina produced a crucial intervention to deny what looked like a certain goal.
As Austria pushed forward in search of an equalizer during stoppage time, gaps began to appear at the back.
Argentina capitalized in the fifth minute of added time.
A chaotic sequence inside the Austrian penalty area saw Schlager save an initial effort from Julián Álvarez. Messi reacted quickest to the rebound, eventually forcing the ball home on his second attempt to secure the victory.
The goal completed his brace and took his World Cup tally to 18 goals.
Argentina Through, Austria Under Pressure
The victory moves Argentina to six points from two matches after opening the tournament with a win over Algeria.
Qualification for the knockout stage is now guaranteed, while the Albiceleste remain among the favorites to retain their world title.
Austria, meanwhile, remains on three points and will have to fight for qualification in the final round of group-stage matches.
Messi Continues to Rewrite Football History
Approaching his 39th birthday, Messi once again demonstrated why he remains one of football’s defining figures.
He missed a penalty, created opportunities throughout the match, scored both goals and became the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals in the current competition.
Most significantly, he surpassed one of football’s most prestigious records, standing alone as the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history.
For Argentina, qualification was the immediate reward. For Messi, it was another chapter in a career that continues to redefine what is possible on football’s biggest stage.