Lionel Messi delivered a record-breaking performance on Monday, scoring a brace to lead defending champions Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria in their Group J match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The win at the Texas venue sealed Argentina's place in the knockout stage, while Messi etched his name in history as the all-time leading goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose.
Messi's historic milestone
Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute, netting his 17th World Cup goal to move past Klose's tally of 16. He added a second in stoppage time, taking his overall World Cup goal count to 18, two ahead of the German legend. The brace came just two days before his 39th birthday on June 24, underscoring his enduring brilliance at the highest level.
Rangnick's praise and controversy
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick was full of admiration for Messi, calling him "one of the best, or even the best." According to Reuters, Rangnick said, "If someone is 39 years old and can score two goals and five overall at the beginning of the World Cup, that makes a difference. We knew he was on a level of his own and Lionel Messi showed he's one of the best."
However, Rangnick expressed frustration over the first goal, claiming there was a foul on Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager. "For the first goal, I would've asked the fourth official to do what he did before the penalty kick, he should have looked and he would've seen what everyone saw, a foul on Schlager. It was annoying," he said as quoted by Reuters. Despite the setback, Rangnick said he was "overall satisfied" with his team's performance and their approach to the game.
Match dynamics
Messi had a frustrating start, missing a penalty in the sixth minute after a VAR-awarded spot kick, sending his effort wide. Austria responded with an energetic pressing display, troubling the defending champions for much of the first half. However, Messi broke the deadlock in the 38th minute and sealed the win in stoppage time.
Rangnick noted the shifting momentum in the match. "During every match at a World Cup there are phases where one team has the momentum on their side. It was in our favour, they missed the penalty kick and after that we were in the game," he said. He added that he wanted his players to be braver and shoot more in the second half. "I would've asked my players to be braver, to shoot during the second half. We were in control of the ball, most people didn't expect us to be that much in control. I think in the second half we put in a top performance," he added.
Implications
With this win, Argentina advances to the knockout stage, continuing their title defense. Messi's record-breaking feat adds another chapter to his legendary career, while Austria, despite the loss, showed resilience and will look to bounce back in their remaining group matches.
