Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading scorer in men’s World Cup history, netting twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in their Group J clash at Dallas Stadium on Monday, to advance to the Round of 32.
Messi has scored both goals, bringing his career World Cup total to 18, the most for any player in World Cup history, men’s or women’s, to surpass Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
His first, came in the 38th minute, a composed finish after missing an early penalty in the 7th minute, a moment that would have made the record even more dramatic had it gone in. His second came deep into stoppage time, as a counter attack led to Julian Alvarez being set in, his effort was saved by goalkeeper Schlager, before the ball bounced back to Messi who slammed home at the second attempt.
Austria made Argentina work hard throughout the contest, with Kevin Danso producing multiple crucial blocks to deny the South Americans on several occasions. Nico González came closest for Argentina with a powerful header from a Messi corner that barely missed wide right.
The win puts Argentina in command of Group J with 2 wins from 2 games, earning a spot in the Round of 32, while Austria will need a positive result in their final group fixture to keep their knockout hopes alive.
By Canaan Siame
