June 23, 2026
Argentina booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage on Monday as Lionel Messi recovered from an early penalty miss to score a record-breaking double in a 2-0 victory over Austria in Group J.
The defending champions broke through before halftime when Messi initiated a slick move, then timed his run to meet Facundo Medina’s low cross and finish first-time into the bottom corner.
It was his 17th World Cup goal, moving him clear of Germany's Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history.
Messi had earlier missed a golden chance to make history inside 10 minutes after Lautaro Martinez won a penalty, dragging his effort wide, and he was twice denied again as Austria’s defence, marshalled by David Alaba, frustrated the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner.
