Austria Argentina WCup Soccer
Argentina players celebrate after Lionel Messi scored their second goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Austria in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, June 22, 2026.
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Lionel Messi now has the World Cup scoring record with 18 goals in his career after scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over Austria. He scored in the 38th minute and again in stoppage time after missing a penalty kick in the ninth minute. The goal for the record of 17 gave Argentina a 1-0 lead two days before Messi’s 39th birthday, and amid the concern of an ailing father back at home. It was the sixth consecutive World Cup game in which Messi has scored. He entered the game even with Germany striker Miroslav Klose.
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