Lionel Messi once again proved to be the standout figure for Argentina as the reigning world champions secured their second consecutive victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Austria 2-0.

Not only did Messi score both goals, but he also became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing German striker Miroslav Klose, who finished his career with 16 goals.

Although Messi missed a penalty in the first half, he quickly recovered from the setback by opening the scoring in the 38th minute. That strike marked the 17th World Cup goal of his remarkable career.

Before finding the net, Messi had already created several dangerous opportunities, and every time he approached Austria’s penalty area, his extraordinary talent was on full display.

Austria attempted to respond after the break but lacked the precision needed to seriously challenge goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, who looked confident and composed whenever called into action.

As the match approached its conclusion, Messi's magic appeared once again. Deep into stoppage time, he scored Argentina’s second goal, sealing the victory with a memorable finish that sparked celebrations among the thousands of Argentine fans in attendance.

Messi has now scored five goals in the tournament. He netted all three goals in Argentina’s opening 3-0 victory over Algeria and followed that performance with another brace against Austria. Remarkably, he has scored every goal Argentina has recorded so far in the World Cup, firmly establishing himself as the tournament’s biggest star.

The achievement came on a particularly symbolic day for Argentine football. June 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Argentina’s legendary 2-1 victory over England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, a match immortalized by Diego Maradona.

On that historic afternoon, Maradona scored both Argentine goals, including the famous “Hand of God” and the unforgettable “Goal of the Century,” when he dribbled past multiple English defenders before scoring one of the greatest goals in football history.

In 2026, past and present once again converged through the brilliance of Messi. The Argentine captain added another historic chapter to his extraordinary career, guided Argentina into the Round of 32, and continues to sit atop world football just days before celebrating his 39th birthday.