Messi Sets New All-Time World Cup Scoring Record; Argentina Secures Round of 32 Spot

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Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi has set a new record for the most goals scored in World Cup history after netting two goals in a single match. With a victory over Austria, Argentina has secured its place in the Round of 32 with two consecutive wins.

Reported by Yu Byeongmin.

[Reporter]

Messi, who tied Germany's Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 career goals with a hat-trick in the first match against Algeria, had an early opportunity to break the record just three minutes into the game.

After Martinez was brought down by a tackle, the referee awarded a penalty kick following a VAR review.

Messi stepped up to take the kick himself, but he hung his head in disappointment as his shot sailed wide to the right of the goal.

Determined to make up for the miss, Messi fired shots whenever the opportunity arose, only to be repeatedly denied by the opposing goalkeeper and defense. However, in the 38th minute, he finally broke through the Austrian defense.

He connected with a cutback from the left, firing a one-touch shot into the back of the net.

He struck a powerful and precise left-footed shot, maintaining the momentum of his run.

The stadium erupted in cheers as he finally broke the World Cup all-time scoring record with his 17th career goal.

After spending much of the second half on the defensive against Austria's strong push for an equalizer, Messi stepped up as the hero once again when an insurance goal was needed.

In stoppage time, following a counterattack where his teammate's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, Messi received a pass inside the penalty box and found the back of the net after two attempts with his signature dribbling.

With his 18th career World Cup goal and his 5th of this tournament, he has taken the sole lead in the top scorer race.

Thanks to Messi's multi-goal performance, Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 and confirmed their advancement to the Round of 32 with two straight wins.

(Video Editing: Lee Jae-sung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.