Messi Breaks World Cup Goals Record as Argentina Beat Austria 2-0

Messi Redeems Missed Penalty to Send Champions Through

Argentina entered this Group J fixture as defending World Cup champions and comfortably the stronger side on paper, having opened the tournament with a hat-trick from Messi in a win over Algeria. Austria, buoyed by their own opening victory against Jordan, pressed high early and created chances through Sabitzer and Schmid, but the match turned when a VAR review awarded Argentina a first-half penalty.

Messi placed the spot-kick wide, a rare miss that briefly levelled the tension, but he responded emphatically, sliding home the opener in the 38th minute from Facundo Medina’s pass, with the goal confirmed after a VAR check.

Austria continued to apply pressure after the interval, forcing Argentina onto the back foot and testing Emiliano Martinez, while a Cristian Romero injury disrupted the champions’ defensive shape. Argentina absorbed the pressure and remained organised, with Austria managing only one shot on target across the full ninety minutes.

The tie was put beyond doubt deep in stoppage time when Messi collected a pass from Enzo Fernandez and drove home at the second attempt after substitute Julian Alvarez’s initial effort was saved, sealing a 2-0 final score.

The win confirmed Argentina’s place in the Round of 32. Several players on both sides were cautioned, Stefan Posch (40′) for Austria and Leandro Paredes (90′) for Argentina among those booked, but no red cards were issued.

Missed Penalty, VAR Goal, and a Record-Breaking Finish

The match’s defining sequence began early: a VAR review awarded Argentina a penalty inside the first ten minutes, but Messi placed it wide at the ninth minute, his third missed penalty in World Cup history. He recovered to score with a composed finish in the 38th minute after a team move involving Medina, giving Argentina the interval lead.

In stoppage time, Messi collected from Fernandez following a goalmouth scramble sparked by Alvarez’s saved shot, and drove in at the second attempt to claim his 18th World Cup goal, overtaking Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time top scorer.

Messi Moves Alone at the Top of World Cup History

Lionel Messi was the decisive figure throughout, finishing the match with two goals and a record five for the tournament across just two games. The missed penalty aside, his reading of the game and clinical finishing were the difference at AT&T Stadium.

Against Austria, Messi also became only the third player to score in six successive World Cup appearances, joining Just Fontaine (1958) and Jairzinho (1970) in that exclusive company. His 18 World Cup goals now place him two clear of Klose in the all-time standings, with the record looking increasingly difficult for any active rival to match.

Argentina Eye Group Win; Austria’s Fate Rests on Algeria

Argentina are through to the knockout stage with a game to spare and stand on the brink of sealing first place in Group J, that top spot will be confirmed if Jordan fail to beat Algeria in the parallel group fixture.

Should Argentina finish top, they would face the Group H runner-up in Miami on July 3. Their next assignment is a formality in terms of qualification but Scaloni will want a clean sheet and minutes for his fringe players ahead of the last-32 tie.

Austria remain second in the group but their place in the knockout rounds is not yet secure. Ralf Rangnick’s side must beat Algeria in the final matchday to guarantee progression, while a draw may not be enough depending on goal difference.

The bookings accumulated across the squad, Posch, Laimer, and others, mean Austria will need to manage discipline carefully against Algeria, with any player picking up a second yellow in that fixture facing automatic suspension for a potential Round of 32 appearance.