Lionel Messi made World Cup history on Monday as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Dallas to book their place in the Round of 32.
The Argentina captain missed an early penalty after Lautaro Martinez was brought down inside the box, but he recovered to deliver another record-breaking performance.
Messi opened the scoring in the first half when he finished a low cross from Facundo Medina, moving past Miroslav Klose to become the leading goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history.
Austria responded well and created chances of their own, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced important saves to protect the lead.
As Austria pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Messi struck again in stoppage time after reacting quickest inside the penalty area to make it 2-0 and secure the victory.
The result guarantees Argentina a place in the knockout rounds and extends their unbeaten World Cup run to eight matches. It also marks a historic night for Messi, whose latest goals added another milestone to his remarkable international career.
