Messi breaks World Cup scoring record with brace as Argentina seal last-32 spot

Lionel Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer on Thursday, netting twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Dallas to seal their place in the last 32 of the 2026 tournament.

The brace took Messi’s World Cup tally to 17 goals — five of them across just two games in North America — and moved him to the top of the Golden Boot standings. Argentina are now all but certain to win Group J and are expected to face their last-32 opponents in Miami, the city Messi has called home since joining Inter Miami.

Despite the historic milestone, Messi was candid about the physical cost of his extraordinary start to the finals. “I’m tired and I’m running on fumes. It’s hard to think,” he said after the match. “But I’m enjoying this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates. It’s been spectacular how it has all unfolded.”

Messi also missed a first-half penalty but refused to dwell on it. “I had the penalty, which could have increased my tally. But perhaps the others wouldn’t have come — you never know. I’m happy with the team.”

Teammate Julián Álvarez said the record-breaking performance was further proof of Messi’s standing in the game. “He continues to demonstrate, even at his age, that he has the talent and all his magic. 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.”

Defender Licha Martínez struggled to find adequate 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 echoed the sentiment from within the squad. “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.”

The defending champions now turn their attention to the knockout rounds, with Álvarez noting the fine margins that define a World Cup. “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.”