Messi chases World Cup history as Argentina face Austria in Dallas

Lionel Messi steps onto the Dallas Stadium pitch this evening chasing a slice of World Cup history – the all-time tournament goal record – as his Argentina side look to make it two wins from two in Group J. The holders, who opened their campaign with a victory, face an Austria team desperate to upset the defending champions. Messi, already his country's record scorer, needs just one goal to surpass the previous best in World Cup finals, a milestone that would further cement his legacy in a tournament already defined by his brilliance. Argentina will be confident of controlling possession and creating chances against an Austrian side that has yet to find its rhythm. But the pressure of the record – and the weight of being the team to beat – could make for a tense encounter under the Dallas sun.