Lionel Messi became the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history as defending champions Argentina secured their place in the knockout stages with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.
The Argentina captain scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals to move clear of former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, whose tally of 16 goals had stood as the tournament record since 2014.
Messi had the opportunity to break the record early in the match but missed from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, sending his effort wide of the target.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner eventually made history in the 38th minute when he latched onto a clever pass from Facundo Medina, with Thiago Almada allowing the ball to run through to his captain. Messi calmly finished past Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager to put Argentina ahead.
The 38-year-old then sealed both the victory and the record in stoppage time. After seeing an initial effort saved by Schlager, Messi reacted quickest to fire home through a crowded penalty area for his second goal of the night.
The brace ensured Argentina booked their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare and maintained their perfect start to the tournament following the 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J fixture.
Messi’s latest feat came just two days before his 39th birthday and exactly 40 years after Diego Maradona’s famous “Goal of the Century” against England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
The Inter Miami star continues to rewrite football history. He has now scored all five of Argentina’s goals at the tournament and has found the net 12 times in World Cup matches since turning 35.
Messi also joined French striker Just Fontaine and Brazilian legend Jairzinho as the only players to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Argentina’s victory extended their World Cup winning streak to eight matches, dating back to their shock defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The reigning world champions will conclude their Group J campaign against Jordan on Saturday, while Austria must beat Algeria in their final group match to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
With another record shattered and Argentina safely through, Messi’s remarkable World Cup story continues to add new chapters on football’s biggest stage.