Messi becomes the all-time top scorer in World Cup history

In Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina and Austria faced off at Dallas Stadium. In the match officiated by Egyptian referee Amin Omar, Argentina was awarded a penalty in the 7th minute.

After Lautaro Martinez was brought down in the penalty area, Omar reviewed the position following a VAR intervention and pointed to the penalty spot. Lionel Messi, who stepped up to the spot, sent the ball wide.

Maintaining their dominance, the 'Tangos' took a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute. Following a low pass from Medina from the left wing into the penalty area, Messi struck the ball first-time and sent it into the net.

The second half of the match, which ended 1-0 in the first half, saw attacks from both sides. In a counter-attack developed by Messi on the right wing for Argentina, Messi met the ball again inside the penalty area and found the back of the net once more in the 90+5th minute. Following the final whistle, Lionel Scaloni's side made it 2 wins out of 2 in the group, bringing their points total to 6.

Argentina will face Jordan in the final match of the group. Austria will play against Algeria.

The all-time top scorer in World Cup history: Messi

Having achieved a hat-trick against Algeria in the first match of Group J, Messi also found the net against Austria, marking his sixth consecutive match with a goal, including those in the 2022 World Cup. With the goals he scored against Austria, the 38-year-old star reached 18 goals in the World Cup, surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the 'all-time top scorer in World Cup history'.

Competing in his 6th World Cup of his career, here are the goal tallies for Lionel Messi, who has appeared in 28 matches:

2006 World Cup: 1 goal

2010 World Cup: -

2014 World Cup: 4 goals

2018 World Cup: 1 goal

2022 World Cup: 7 goals

2026 World Cup: 5 goals