Messi Sets All-Time World Cup Scoring Record with 18th Goal, Secures Argentina's Spot in Round of 32

"God of Football" Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) has overcome a penalty miss to set a new all-time World Cup scoring record, securing Argentina's advancement to the Round of 32.

Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their second Group J match of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, held at Dallas Stadium in Texas, USA.

Messi, who put on a "one-man show" with a hat-trick in the first group match against Algeria—his 200th career international appearance—continued to display his exceptional form.

Entering this tournament with 13 career World Cup goals, Messi scored three in the opening match to tie Miroslav Klose (Germany) at 16 goals.

With his 17th and 18th goals in today's match, he has now officially become the sole leader in all-time World Cup scoring.

The path to this historic milestone was not without its challenges.

Argentina earned a golden opportunity in the 9th minute of the first half when Lautaro Martinez won a penalty kick.

Messi stepped up as the kicker, but his shot sailed wide of the right goalpost after a light run-up, leaving him visibly disappointed.

It was Messi's third miss in seven career World Cup penalty attempts.

Messi missed another chance just 10 minutes later.

After receiving a difficult pass from Martinez, Messi took an extra touch instead of shooting immediately, allowing Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager to block the attempt with his legs.

However, in the 38th minute, Messi finally found the back of the net to take the lead.

Thiago Almada pushed the ball to the left, and Facundo Medina delivered a cutback that met an onrushing Messi, who fired a first-time shot into the bottom right corner to record his 17th World Cup goal.

Messi's historic run did not end there.

Five minutes into second-half stoppage time, Messi completed his brace and sealed the victory with his 18th goal.

After a shot by Julian Alvarez—set up by a Messi pass—was saved by the goalkeeper, Messi pounced on the rebound.

Although his first follow-up attempt was blocked by the defense, Messi persistently pushed the ball into the center of the net to secure a 2-0 win.

With this, Messi has now accounted for all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament, once again proving his status as an irreplaceable ace.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.