Lionel Messi Scores Record-Breaking Brace to Send Argentina Into 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage
Lionel Messi fired Argentina into the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds with a stunning brace in a 2‑0 victory over Austria in Dallas. The win secured Argentina’s place in the Round of 32 and continued their impressive unbeaten streak.
The match began with Argentina earning an early penalty after a VAR review deemed Stefan Posch to have fouled Lisandro Martínez inside the box. Messi stepped up but saw his effort drift wide, giving Austria a brief lifeline.
Austria grew into the game, with Marcel Sabitzer, David Alaba and Konrad Laimer pushing forward and testing the Argentine defence. Despite their pressure, it was Messi who broke the deadlock.
He arrived at the far post to steer a low cross from Facundo Medina into the net, recording his 17th World Cup goal and surpassing Miroslav Klose’s all‑time tournament scoring record.
After the break, Austria forced Emiliano Martínez into action, with the Argentine goalkeeper making two key saves, including a sharp stop on a dangerous free‑kick from Sabitzer.
Argentina nearly doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Nico González’s header from a Messi corner narrowly missed the target. As Austria chased an equaliser, spaces opened at the opposite end.
González was later denied by Kevin Danso, while substitute Marko Arnautovic struggled to find a way past a disciplined Argentine backline. The decisive second goal arrived in stoppage time, as Messi pounced on a crowded the goalmouth and smashed the ball home to seal the win.
The result extended Argentina’s unbeaten World Cup run to eight matches and marked their ninth consecutive victory across all competitions. Austria, despite only suffering their second defeat in the last 13 fixtures, remain in contention for a knockout‑stage berth.
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