Lionel Messi once again stepped up when Argentina needed him the most. The Argentine captain, often hailed as one of the greatest players in football history, netted both goals in a 2-0 win over Austria at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This victory not only secured Argentina's spot in the Round of 32 but also made Messi the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer.
Yet, despite this remarkable achievement, Messi kept his focus on the team's success rather than personal accolades as he shared after the match, “I’m happy for the win; it was very difficult.” His stellar performance propelled Argentina to a second consecutive group-stage victory, giving a strong boost to their World Cup journey.
After being named Player of the Match, Messi acknowledged, “Winning was obviously part of the plan but we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Today, nobody gives anything away, everything is played with a lot of intensity. It was hard for us to have those long possessions that we always have.”
He emphasized how vital this win was for their future in the tournament. The 38-year-old also praised his teammates for their hard work throughout the match, noting that securing six points from two games was the most significant takeaway. While he was glad to have scored, he reiterated that the focus should remain on qualification and the overall success of the team.
Lionel Messi Delivers at 38, 95th minute despite early penalty-kick lapse
The match kicked off with a surprising turn of events. Just eight minutes in, Argentina was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, giving Messi a golden opportunity to set a new World Cup scoring record. Unfortunately, his left-footed shot went wide, keeping the score at zero and momentarily quieting the crowd.
Despite that early setback, Argentina maintained control of the game and finally broke through in the 38th minute. Messi connected with a beautifully orchestrated attack, finishing with precision to net his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing the legendary Miroslav Klose from Germany. Austria fought hard and pressed forward, but Argentina’s defense stood strong, ensuring they kept another clean sheet.
As Austria pressed on in search of an equalizer late in the match, they left some gaps in their defense. Messi seized the moment during stoppage time, scoring once more in the 95th minute after being the quickest to react inside the penalty area. This goal marked his 18th in World Cup history and his fifth in the 2026 tournament.
With this result, Argentina advanced to the Round of 32 with two wins out of two matches. Messi’s brace not only ensured their qualification but also added to his incredible record in his sixth World Cup appearance.
