Messi double sends Argentina through and breaks World Cup scoring mark

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Group J, a result that sent the defending champions into the World Cup’s last 32 with a match to spare, AFP and Reuters reported. His first goal also made him the leading scorer in World Cup history, moving him past Miroslav Klose’s mark.

The match was played Monday at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where AFP and Reuters reported a crowd of 70,649 watched Argentina take control without turning long spells of pressure into a rout. Messi, 38, missed an early penalty but recovered to decide the game with goals late in each half.

Record goal after penalty miss

Argentina had a chance to lead in the ninth minute after Lautaro Martinez was brought down between two Austrian players. Referee Amin Mohamed awarded the penalty following a VAR review, according to AFP and Reuters.

Messi took the kick but sent a weak effort wide, drawing surprise from a heavily pro-Argentina crowd. AFP and Reuters noted that Messi has had notable penalty misses at World Cups before, including against Poland in 2022 and at the 2018 tournament.

Austria captain David Alaba twice stopped Messi before the opener. In the 19th minute, Alaba took the ball away as Messi moved into a dangerous position, and shortly after the half-hour he blocked a goalbound shot with goalkeeper Alexander Schlager out of position, AFP and Reuters reported.

Messi broke through in the 38th minute. Facundo Medina played the ball into the area, Thiago Almada let it run through, and Messi finished left-footed with the goal open, according to AFP and Reuters.

The goal was Messi’s 17th at World Cups, AFP and Reuters reported, after his hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 opening win over Algeria had brought him level with Klose on 16. Messi turns 39 on Wednesday, according to AFP and Reuters.

Late goal seals it

Austria, coached by Ralf Rangnick, had opened its tournament with a 3-1 win over World Cup debutants Jordan. Against Argentina, AFP and Reuters reported Austria sat deep for much of the first half and failed to register a shot on target before the break.

The second half produced fewer clear chances. Argentina did not quickly build on the lead, while Austria threatened more at times but forced Emiliano Martinez into only one serious save, AFP and Reuters reported.

Messi settled the result in stoppage time after a scramble in the penalty area. Julian Alvarez had an effort saved by Schlager, the rebound eventually reached Messi, and after his first attempt was blocked he scored with a low shot from close range, according to AFP and Reuters.

The win puts Argentina into the knockout stage from Group J. Austria missed the chance to secure its own place in the last 32 with a game remaining, AFP and Reuters reported.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.