Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable World Cup night as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Group J, securing their place in the knockout stage with one match still to play.
The defending champions arrived in Dallas full of confidence after opening their campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria, a match in which Messi scored a stunning hat-trick. Against Austria, the pressure was different. This was a meeting between the two early group leaders, and victory would put Argentina firmly in control.
But the night did not begin perfectly for Messi.
The Argentina captain had the chance to make history from the penalty spot early in the game, only to miss. For a moment, Austria had hope. Their defensive shape was compact, their midfield worked hard, and they tried to frustrate Argentina by denying space between the lines.
Yet with Messi, history rarely waits too long.
In the first half, he found the breakthrough with the kind of calm finish that has defined his career. One sharp attacking move, one perfect touch, one composed strike — and Messi had moved beyond Miroslav Klose to become the leading men’s goalscorer in World Cup history.
It was a moment Argentina fans will never forget.
Austria refused to collapse. They stayed organised, pressed when they could and tried to keep the match alive deep into the second half. But they lacked the cutting edge to seriously trouble Argentina when the big moments arrived.
As the game moved into stoppage time, Messi struck again. The second goal sealed Argentina’s win, completed his brace and pushed his World Cup legacy even further into legendary territory.
At almost 39, Messi continues to rewrite football history. His tournament tally is already extraordinary, and his influence on Argentina remains as powerful as ever. Every touch still brings expectation. Every run still pulls defenders. Every goal still feels like a global event.
Argentina may not have produced their most beautiful performance, but they were controlled, patient and clinical when it mattered. With two wins from two matches, they are through to the Round of 32 and remain on course to top Group J.
Austria, meanwhile, must now regroup quickly. Their final group match against Algeria could decide whether their promising tournament continues.
But this night belonged to only one man.
Messi missed once, then answered like only Messi can.
