Lionel Messi is now the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer after his double against Austria sent holders Argentina into the last 32. The 38-year-old's 17th and 18th tournament goals in Dallas took him past Miroslav Klose's record of 16, a milestone that left him exhausted but triumphant.
Argentina's 2-0 win at the Cotton Bowl all but guarantees top spot in Group J, setting up a last‑32 tie in Messi's adopted home of Miami. The forward has now scored five times in two games in North America, putting him clear at the top of the Golden Boot race.
“Messi becomes World Cup's all-time top scorer with brace in 2-0 win over Austria, sending Argentina into last 32.”
Yet the evening was not without frustration. Messi saw a first‑half penalty saved – a miss that might have added another layer to his legend. “I had the penalty, which could have increased my tally,” he said. “But perhaps the others wouldn't have come, you never know. I'm happy with the team.”
The emotion of another historic night, however, took its toll. “I'm tired and I'm running on fumes,” Messi admitted. “It's hard to think. But I'm enjoying this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates. It's been spectacular how it has all unfolded.”
His team‑mates were left in awe. Julian Alvarez insisted Messi continues to prove he is football's undisputed greatest of all time. “He continues to demonstrate, even at his age, that he has the talent and all his magic,” Alvarez said. “There's not much to say. We all see it, he's the best in the world. It gives us peace of mind for what's to come. This is the World Cup, everything is very close and very intense. That's why we're happy to have earned six points and already secured qualification.”
Lisandro Martínez struggled for words. “There are no words, we can only enjoy it. He's alone at the top. I'm speechless. I feel an enormous emotion that he's Argentinian. We have to value him.” Leandro Paredes added: “It's crazy, he continues to surprise us. It's a pleasure for us to try and enjoy him every day, in every training session and match.”
Argentina, defending champions in the United States, now have six points from two games. With qualification secured, attention turns to whether Messi can add to his record haul – and whether his body can sustain the demands of a deep run. “I'm running on fumes,” he said. But for now, the little magician has another line on his already dazzling resume.