Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina beats Austria 2-0 in World Cup
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 7:07 PM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Lionel Messi scored two goals to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria in their World Cup match on June 22, 2026, securing a place in the knockout stage. Messi opened the scoring just before halftime with a left-footed strike after a well-executed team play. He added a second deep into injury time. Despite missing an early penalty, Messi's performance cemented his status as the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 17 World Cup goals. The game took place in Texas in front of a crowd of 70,649. Argentina's defense remained solid, conceding no shots on target in the first half.
- •Messi becomes World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 17 goals.
- •Argentina secured qualification for the knockout stage with this win.
- •The match drew a crowd of 70,649 in Texas.
- •Messi extended his goal tally despite missing an early penalty.
- •Argentina remains unbeaten in this World Cup campaign.
- 8:29 PMBBC Sport — Messi makes World Cup history as Argentina reach last 32
- 7:19 PMYahoo Sports — With Lionel Messi, history and magic go hand in hand at the World Cup for Argentina
- 7:07 PMYahoo Sports — Magic Messi makes World Cup history to send Argentina into last 32
"Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in World Cup history as the captain struck twice to give Argentina a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday and send the champions into the last 32.He also saw his spot-kick saved by Wojciech Szczesny in a 2-0 win over Poland at the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina went on to be champions, and missed at the 2018 tournament.
"Lionel Messi becomes the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer as his double against Austria sends holders Argentina into the last 32.
"His case as the greatest of all time continues to be solidified.
Sources
External links- BBC SportJun 22, 2026, 8:29 PMMessi makes World Cup history as Argentina reach last 32
Lionel Messi becomes the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer as his double against Austria sends holders Argentina into the last 32.
- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 7:19 PMWith Lionel Messi, history and magic go hand in hand at the World Cup for Argentina
His case as the greatest of all time continues to be solidified.
- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 7:07 PMMagic Messi makes World Cup history to send Argentina into last 32
Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in World Cup history as the captain struck twice to give Argentina a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday and send the champions into the last 32.He also saw his spot-kick saved by Wojciech Szczesny in a 2-0 win over Poland at the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina went on to be champions, and missed at the 2018 tournament.
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