&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Messi's record-breaking brace against Austria powers Argentina to World Cup knockouts")
Lionel Messi scored a brace against Austria in Argentina’s second group game to power the defending champions into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts. Messi also broke the record for the most goals in the competition's history by netting his 18th World Cup goal—two clear of Germany's Miroslav Klose. He surpassed Klose's tally with a stunner in the 38th minute before smashing one in stoppage time (95th minute) to help Argentina beat Austria 2-0. In two contested matches thus far, Argentina has scored five goals, with every single one coming from Messi's boots.
)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live on Zee5 Photograph: (WION)
Earlier in his team’s tournament opener against Algeria, Messi scored his maiden World Cup hat-trick and, with that, equalled Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals. Needing just one to get past the former Germany striker, Messi netted in the first half against Austria, with the Dallas crowd erupting in joy.
Meanwhile, Messi is playing at his sixth FIFA World Cup, having made his debut back in 2006. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped his team win its third world title in the previous edition in Qatar and now aims to repeat the feat in North America. Should Argentina win the 2026 edition, they will become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back titles.
Tears, joy and records
After shedding tears following his first goal in Argentina’s title defence opener against Algeria last week, Messi revealed that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue. However, amid personal travails and a troubled build-up to the tournament due to a hamstring injury, Messi’s feats bring joy to him, his team and the countless fans watching worldwide.
"If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all," said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria.
All Hail King Messi
Messi continued his purple patch in the second half, with Argentina looking confident on the pitch. Although both teams failed to find the back of the net at least until the regular time, Messi found a little window late into the stoppage time to score a screamer and collect his 18th World Cup goal.
Trending Stories
)
The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK
)
UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view
)
Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations
)
Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador
)
Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club
)
Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war
)
Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce
)
Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked
)
South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz
)
World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train
)
Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit
)
Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test
)
BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit
)
What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?
)
UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years
)
Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey
)
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa
)
Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth
)
Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns
)
Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs
)
Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets
)
FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest
Messi’s second goal of the match increased his tally for this edition alone to five, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner breaking multiple records during this outing. Registering the most World Cup goals tops the list, and also for the most appearances and most minutes played among others.
Argentina will next face Jordan in their last group stage game on Sunday (Jun 28) at the same venue.
