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Messi breaks the World Cup men's scoring record as Argentina reach the knockout phase

Two goals against Austria moved Lionel Messi past Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer, sealing the holders' progress in a record-equalling sixth World Cup for the 38-year-old.

Daniel Fletcher

Writer ·

5 min read
A football resting in the back of a goal net under stadium lights, no identifiable people
A football resting in the back of a goal net under stadium lights, no identifiable people · Illustrative section image

Lionel Messi has rewritten another part of football history after scoring twice for Argentina in a 2-0 World Cup win over Austria in Arlington. The goals moved him beyond Miroslav Klose as the men's all-time leading World Cup scorer, a landmark reached in his record-equalling sixth tournament.

Sky Sports reported that Messi had matched Klose's 16-goal mark with a hat-trick against Algeria before the Austria match, then went two clear with a composed first-half finish and a rebound in stoppage time. Argentina, the defending champions, have now secured a place in the round of 32.

The story is both statistical and emotional. At 38, Messi remains decisive, and he is now chasing not just records but the chance of another deep run with the holders.

How the record was reached

Messi's two goals against Austria capped a tournament in which he had already drawn level with Klose. The finish in the first half and the stoppage-time rebound gave him sole ownership of a mark that had stood as one of the World Cup's defining individual records.

  • A hat-trick against Algeria that equalled Klose's 16-goal record
  • Two further goals against Austria to move clear
  • A 2-0 win that confirmed Argentina's place in the last 32
  • A record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance at the age of 38

The achievement places Messi at the summit of a list that spans the history of the men's tournament, a fitting marker for a career that has so often bent records to its will.

Still decisive at 38

What gives the milestone its resonance is the manner of it. Messi is not merely accumulating appearances; he is still shaping outcomes in the biggest matches, finding space and finishing chances when Argentina need him most.

“Messi is 38, still decisive, and now chasing not just records but another deep Argentina run.”

Background

Klose set the previous benchmark of 16 World Cup goals across a celebrated international career, a tally that had long seemed secure. Messi, who lifted the trophy with Argentina at the previous tournament, entered this competition with the record within reach, and his early scoring form quickly turned possibility into history.

What happens next

Argentina are due to face Jordan in their final Group J fixture before the knockout rounds begin in earnest. With the record secured, attention turns to whether Messi can drive the holders towards another title, adding a sporting climax to a personal milestone.

Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by Sky Sports. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.

The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.

#World Cup#Argentina#football#Messi#record
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