Lionel Messi of Argentina greets spectators after the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
DALLAS, United States, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer as Argentina secured a place in the knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday.
Messi atoned for an earlier penalty miss with his 17th World Cup goal, sweeping home Facundo Medina's cross to surpass the record he shared with Germany's Miroslav Klose.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who turns 39 on Wednesday, struck again in second-half stoppage time to complete a brace and take his tally to five goals this tournament.
The result leaves Argentina top of Group J with six points, three ahead of second-placed Austria with one match to play before the round of 32.
Argentina threatened early through Thiago Almada, who fired into the side netting, before Lautaro Martinez went down in the area under challenges from Stefan Posch and Xaver Schlager. After a video review, the referee awarded a penalty, but Messi missed the opportunity when he sent his ninth-minute spot kick wide.
The game remained fragmented after the miss. Austria pushed Argentina back at times and won territory through their midfield, while Marcel Sabitzer, making his 100th appearance for the national team, and Konrad Laimer provided a regular outlet on the left.
Argentina found it difficult to play through Austria's compact midfield and created few clear openings. Messi came closest in the 19th minute after being picked out by Martinez, but Alexander Schlager reacted quickly to smother the effort.
The holders gradually saw more of the ball through Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez as the balance of play began to shift.
The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. Medina delivered a low cutback from the left and Almada cleverly let the ball run past him, allowing Messi to pounce and steer a left-footed finish beyond Schlager.
Austria continued to push forward before the interval but struggled to create meaningful openings against the Argentina defense, leaving Lionel Scaloni's side with a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The European side began the second half with greater urgency and finally tested Emiliano Martinez in the 54th minute when Sabitzer's powerful effort forced the goalkeeper into a save.
Ralf Rangnick responded with a series of attacking changes as his side searched for an equalizer, introducing Marko Arnautovic and later Carney Chukwuemeka. Austria enjoyed periods of possession and continued to deliver balls into the area, but Argentina's defense remained largely in control.
Argentina also refreshed its attack, with Julian Alvarez and Nico Gonzalez joining the action as Scaloni looked to protect the lead and exploit spaces left by an increasingly adventurous Austria side.
Austria's best late opportunity came in stoppage time when Kevin Danso headed a free kick back into a crowded penalty area, where Patrick Wimmer's attempted flick drifted just wide.
Any hopes of a late comeback were ended moments later. Alvarez was denied before Messi saw another effort blocked, but the forward reacted quickest to force the ball home in the fifth minute of added time.
Messi nearly completed a hat-trick with a late free kick that flashed just wide, but his two goals were enough to secure Argentina's second win of the tournament. ■
Players of Argentina celebrate a goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi (C) of Argentina greets spectators after the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Fans cheer after the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Players of Argentina greet spectators after the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Julian Alvarez (C) of Argentina shoots during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates his second goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina celebrates his second goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Lionel Messi (C) of Argentina celebrates his second goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Players of Argentina celebrate a goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Players of Argentina celebrate a goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Players of Argentina celebrate a goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina celebrates his second goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Players of Argentina celebrate a goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi (2nd L) of Argentina shoots during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Lionel Messi (1st R) of Argentina shoots during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Players of Argentina celebrate a goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Referee Amin Mohamed Omar (C) shows a yellow card to Konrad Laimer (4th R) of Austria during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of Argentina makes a save during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Lionel Messi of Argentina prepares to take a corner kick during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina reacts during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates his second goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi (2nd L) of Argentina shoots to score his second goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Nico Gonzalez of Argentina falls down during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Facundo Medina (2nd R) of Argentina receives a yellow card during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi (2nd L) of Argentina shoots to score his second goal during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Enzo Fernandez (L) of Argentina competes during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Referee Amin Mohamed Omar (C) shows a yellow card to Konrad Laimer of Austria during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of Argentina makes a save during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina breaks through during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Lionel Messi (2nd R) of Argentina competes during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Lionel Messi (C) of Argentina breaks through during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Ralf Rangnick (C), head coach of Austria, instructs players during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Rodrigo De Paul (L) of Argentina vies with Paul Wanner of Austria during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi (2nd R) of Argentina celebrates a goal with teammates during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. Lionel Messi breaks World Cup scoring record with his 17th goal for Argentina. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (R) of Austria reacts as Lionel Messi of Argentina misses a penalty kick during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Alexis Mac Allister (front L) of Argentina vies with Michael Gregoritsch of Austria during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina vies with David Alaba of Austria during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Lionel Messi (3rd L) of Argentina celebrates a goal with teammates during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. Lionel Messi breaks World Cup scoring record with his 17th goal for Argentina. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Romano Schmid (2nd R) of Austria falls down during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts as he misses a penalty kick during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina gets ready to shoot a penalty kick during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Players of Argentina pose for photos before the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts as he misses a penalty kick during the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Lionel Messi of Argentina warms up before the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Players of Austria pose for photos before the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Lionel Messi (C) of Argentina is pictured before the group J match between Argentina and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
