Messi's Record World Cup
Lionel Messi's Record Goal Secures Argentina's World Cup Win, Advancing to Group of 32
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Lionel Messi made history on June 22, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Argentine captain scored twice against Austria to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose. Argentina won 2–0, securing six points and a place in the Round of 32 UPI.
Messi now has 18 career World Cup goals. He passed Klose's record of 16 with his first strike in the 38th minute, then added a second in stoppage time to seal the result Yahoo Sports. The achievement came on the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona's legendary performance against England in 1986 Head Top Headlines.
Messi Bounces Back After Early Penalty Miss
The match did not start cleanly for Messi. In the 9th minute, he stepped up to take a penalty after Lautaro Martinez was fouled in the box. His left-footed kick sailed wide of the right post — his third missed World Cup penalty Times WV. It could have rattled a lesser player. It did not rattle Messi.
Just 29 minutes later, Messi responded. Facundo Medina played a low cross into the box. Thiago Almada dummied it. Messi arrived and fired a first-time finish into the bottom corner Yahoo Sports. The record-breaking 17th goal was done. His 18th came in the 90th minute, when he collected a rebound after Julian Alvarez's shot was saved and slammed it home UPI.
Austria Controlled the Ball but Created Almost Nothing
Austria's coach Ralf Rangnick set up a high-press system that caused Argentina real problems. Austria dominated possession for long stretches in the second half. They pressed hard and disrupted Argentina's build-up play. But their attacking threat was almost zero — they managed just one shot on target the entire match Star Telegram.
Argentina's expected goals — a stat that measures the quality of chances — were 2.65 compared to Austria's 0.50. Argentina was clinical. Austria was not. Defender Stefan Posch played the entire match while dealing with a broken jaw. Despite that toughness, Austria could not find a way through Emiliano MartÃnez in goal.
A Record Set 40 Years to the Day After Maradona's Finest Hour
June 22, 1986 was the day Diego Maradona scored both the "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England. Forty years later to the date, Messi broke the all-time World Cup scoring record in the same tournament Maradona dominated. The symmetry was not lost on anyone Head Top Headlines.
Dallas also holds a painful place in Argentine football history. It was where Maradona played his final international match in 1994 before a suspension ended his World Cup career. Messi's brace at the same venue reframes that memory. He also accomplished this two days before his 39th birthday Yahoo Sports.
Argentina Leads Group J, Eyes Rest Before Jordan Clash
Argentina now sits on top of Group J with 6 points from two games. They beat Algeria 3–0 in their opener. Messi has 5 goals in this World Cup alone, putting him at the top of the Golden Boot standings. His closest competition includes Kylian Mbappé and other early scorers UPI.
Austria stays in second place with 3 points after their earlier 3–1 win over Jordan. Their final group game against Algeria is now a must-win. Argentina is expected to rotate their squad against Jordan to keep key players fresh for the knockout rounds Star Telegram.
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