Argentina Seal Last-16 Berth with 2-0 Win Over Austria as Messi Claims World Cup All-Time Scoring Record

Argentina secured back-to-back victories and early qualification for the Round of 16, defeating Austria 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Lionel Messi was the headline act, scoring twice despite missing a penalty, to become the outright all-time top scorer in World Cup history. Argentina top Group J on six points, with Austria second on three. Jordan and Algeria are yet to play their second fixtures.

Messi Makes History
The defining moment of the night came in the 39th minute. Medina drove to the byline on the left and cut the ball back, Almada flicked it on, and Messi arrived at the far post to tap home — his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Miroslav Klose's long-standing record to become the competition's all-time leading scorer. Messi then added a second deep into stoppage time, cutting inside from a tight angle to make it 2-0 and finish with a brace.


Penalty Miss and Early Scares
The evening could have gone very differently. Lautaro Martinez was brought down in the box in the fifth minute, and VAR confirmed the penalty — but Messi's spot-kick sailed wide in the ninth minute. Argentina continued to press, with Messi twice more going close before the breakthrough, including one effort saved by goalkeeper A. Schlager and another blocked by Alaba on the line.

Martinez Keeps Austria Out
Austria had their best chance of the match in the 54th minute when Sabitzer fired directly at goal from a set piece, only to be denied by a spectacular diving save from Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa goalkeeper was otherwise largely untroubled as Argentina controlled the tempo throughout.


Group J Standings
Argentina lead on six points and are through to the knockout stage. Austria sit second on three points, while Jordan and Algeria remain on one point each ahead of their second-round fixtures.