- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,169,791
- Reaction score
- 59
Lionel Messi further cemented his legendary status as Argentina topped Austria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup match on Monday.
Messi scored a pair of goals in the 2-0 victory over Austria, which moves Argentina to 2-0 in group play and sends the team through to the knockout stage.
In the process of Messi’s incredible showing, he broke multiple records, including the top mark for the most goals in FIFA World Cup history.
The previous record was 16, which was held by Messi and Miroslav Klose entering Monday’s match. Messi is now up to 18 after his two-goal performance.
MORE: Tim Howard throws cold water on Team USA’s World Cup hopes
The other three records Messi broke showcase his durability and overall success:
Messi played his first World Cup match at the age of 18 in 2006. He will turn 39 on June 24.
With his two goals against Austria on Monday, Messi now has an astounding five over two contests after he notched three against Algeria last week.
Messi still has a long way to go to break the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup, which is 13, a record set by France’s Just Fontaine in 1958.
June 16, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Messi nearly notched his record-breaking goal in the ninth minute on a penalty kick but missed wide right.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said after the match.
About 30 minutes later, Messi finally found the back of the net by putting one past Alexander Schlager, who guessed wrong on Messi’s shot.
MORE: Zlatan Ibrahimovic backs USMNT to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Argentine legend scored his second goal in injury time and officially put Austria away for good.
“Beyond anything I’m so happy for the win,” Messi added. “It was huge, tough and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed to what’s ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy with my teammates.”
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with his team as Argentina takes on Iceland in a World Cup Friendly match at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0.
Argentina now sits atop Group J with six points and is locked into the knockout stage, which is slated to begin on Saturday, June 28.
With Argentina set to finish in first place in Group J, it will play its first knockout stage match on Friday, July 3.
Messi and Co. will finish off group play with a match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27.
Continue reading...
Messi scored a pair of goals in the 2-0 victory over Austria, which moves Argentina to 2-0 in group play and sends the team through to the knockout stage.
In the process of Messi’s incredible showing, he broke multiple records, including the top mark for the most goals in FIFA World Cup history.
The previous record was 16, which was held by Messi and Miroslav Klose entering Monday’s match. Messi is now up to 18 after his two-goal performance.
MORE: Tim Howard throws cold water on Team USA’s World Cup hopes
The other three records Messi broke showcase his durability and overall success:
- Most FIFA World Cup matches played: 28
- Most FIFA World Cup matches won by a player: 18
- Most FIFA World Cup minutes played: 2,489
Messi played his first World Cup match at the age of 18 in 2006. He will turn 39 on June 24.
With his two goals against Austria on Monday, Messi now has an astounding five over two contests after he notched three against Algeria last week.
Messi still has a long way to go to break the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup, which is 13, a record set by France’s Just Fontaine in 1958.
Recapping Lionel Messi’s historic day
You must be registered for see images attach
June 16, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Messi nearly notched his record-breaking goal in the ninth minute on a penalty kick but missed wide right.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said after the match.
About 30 minutes later, Messi finally found the back of the net by putting one past Alexander Schlager, who guessed wrong on Messi’s shot.
MORE: Zlatan Ibrahimovic backs USMNT to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Argentine legend scored his second goal in injury time and officially put Austria away for good.
“Beyond anything I’m so happy for the win,” Messi added. “It was huge, tough and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed to what’s ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy with my teammates.”
What’s next for Argentina?
You must be registered for see images attach
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with his team as Argentina takes on Iceland in a World Cup Friendly match at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0.
Argentina now sits atop Group J with six points and is locked into the knockout stage, which is slated to begin on Saturday, June 28.
With Argentina set to finish in first place in Group J, it will play its first knockout stage match on Friday, July 3.
Messi and Co. will finish off group play with a match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27.
Continue reading...
