Lionel Messi gave Argentina a lead and himself a place alone atop the record books with his 17th career World Cup goal.
He’d later complete a brace to give him 18 World Cup goals, two more than anyone else in the 96-year history of the competition.
The record-breaking goal came in the 39th minute and was his fourth of the tournament to take him past Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most goals in a World Cup career.
MORE — World Cup Golden Boot race — top goal scorers
Messi, perhaps ironically, had missed a penalty and a couple other opportunities early thanks to brave defending and timely goalkeeping, but an Austria turnover led Argentina to their opener.
It was a late-arriving run for Messi and a sweet finish with his left foot.
Lionel Messi sets all-time World Cup goals record, adds 18th later in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria (video)
¡¡¡GOL DE LIONEL MESSI!!! ¡¡¡EL MÁXIMO ANOTADOR EN LA HISTORIA DE LOS MUNDIALES!!!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 22, 2026
Espectacular definición de Leo para poner a Argentina arriba sobre Austria, ¡El gol #17! ¡RÉCORD! ¡LEYENDA TOTAL! pic.twitter.com/VlLOgROoC2
¡¡¡DOBLETE DE LIONEL ANDRÉS MESSI!!! ¡¡¡18 GOLES EN COPAS DEL MUNDO!!! ¡¡¡EL RÉCORD AUMENTA!!!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 22, 2026
En una serie de rebotes, Leo la manda a guardar y hacen el segundo sobre Austria en los minutos finales.
¡Estarán en la siguiente ronda! pic.twitter.com/gfXvDQb1Lq
