Last one, the best one? How Lionel Messi keeps doing it at the World Cup

Lionel Messi has broken the World Cup goal record, scoring his 17th and 18th goals in Argentina's 2026 Group J match against Austria in Dallas. Despite being nearly 39, Messi's strategic positioning and commitment, supported by coach Lionel Scaloni's team ecosystem, allow him to remain dangerous. Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick noted Messi's reduced legwork but emphasized his ability to find free positions. Messi expressed anger at missing an early penalty but later scored twice, demonstrating his continued impact in his sixth World Cup appearance. This evolution of Messi, characterized by strategic movement and vision, is seen by some as his best version yet.

Lionel Messi has achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming the World Cup's all-time top goalscorer. This achievement came after he scored his 17th and 18th goals in the tournament. The article states that Messi reached this record by netting these two goals, surpassing previous records. The specific timing and location of these goals are not detailed in the provided content, but the focus is on Messi's individual accomplishment of reaching this new scoring record in World Cup history.

Lionel Messi has become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goal scorer with his 17th career goal, achieved during Argentina's Group J match against Austria in Arlington, Texas. This goal surpassed Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16. Messi also leads the current edition of the tournament with four goals. This marks his sixth World Cup appearance, having first played in 2006. The Argentinian captain's scoring prowess is a significant factor in his team's performance and aspirations for a second consecutive World Cup title.

Lionel Messi broke the World Cup scoring record with his 17th goal for Argentina during their match against Austria on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. The record-breaking goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute. This achievement came shortly after Messi missed a penalty kick earlier in the game. The goal marked the sixth consecutive World Cup game in which Messi has scored. He had previously equaled Germany's Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals at 16. The article also mentions Messi's father's ongoing medical treatment as a backdrop to the event.

Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria in a World Cup 2026 match played in Texas. These goals made Messi the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history, bringing his total to 17. The win secured Argentina's place in the knockout rounds with a game remaining. Despite missing a penalty early in the match, Messi scored his first goal late in the first half and added a second in injury time. The match was played in front of a large, pro-Argentina crowd.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face Austria in their second Group J match of the 2026 World Cup in Dallas, Texas. Messi, who scored a hat-trick in Argentina's opening win against Algeria, is back in action as the team aims to secure a spot in the knockout stages. Austria also enters the match with a win, having defeated Jordan. Both teams have three points, with Argentina currently leading the group on goal difference. Austria acknowledges Argentina's strength beyond Messi, while Argentina's assistant coach notes Austria's physicality. Opta's supercomputer favors Argentina to win.