By Daniel Feuerstein | Arlington, TX | June 22nd, 2026
History was made at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the great Lionel Messi scored the goal that made him the all-time goalscorer in the 96-year history of the tournament when he banged home the record breaker and added another one towards the end of the match. While Austria was the victim of this historic moment, once again, Messi led his country to the win that clinched their spot in the Round of 32 with the final score of two goals to nil.
Lionel Messi scores a brace and has the ultimate milestone
The entire first half was the moment when Lionel Messi was trying to earn his 17th career World Cup goal, and it took him till the 38th minute to finally make that achievement possible. Many thought it was coming from the penalty spot when Argentina was attacking the ball, and two Austrian defenders took down their man and failed to get the ball on the tackle. Originally missed by the referee, but VAR saw the situation and corrected the error. Messi’s first attempt in the 8th minute was shanked wide of the right post when he tried to stutter-step and failed.
Messi had other moments to score the record-breaking goal, but was thwarted by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager multiple times. But when the magic moment finally happened, it was a brilliant pass from Facundo Medina who cut it back a bit. Thiago Almada looked to be the one to accept the ball, dummied it to allow Messi to trail the play, as he got to the ball, Messi smashed it home, and the entire AT&T Stadium erupted with joy. That ball, his shirt, shorts, and boots will be sent immediately to the FIFA Museum for posterity
His second and final goal of the match came in second half stoppage time when the fourth official posted five minutes on his board. Toward the back end of those five minutes, there was a blocked pass by Leandro Paredes, and magically the ball went straight to Messi like a magnet, and off to the races he went. He was close to the Austrian area, and pulled up to set up a passing play, but was able to get the ball back, forcing the goalkeeper to come off his line. Went around him, took a shot that was blocked, got the ball back, and poked it through the defenders for his 18th career World Cup Goal in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time.
Messi has performed in six consecutive World Cups from his first one in 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, 2018 in Russia, 2022 in Qatar, when he finally led his nation to win the tournament, and now in North America to defend their World title in the newly expanded 48-team edition. In these two World Cup games, Messi has scored all five goals and is currently the Golden Boot leader. He has also scored his 121st and 122nd career goals for Argentina. He can take you down, all by himself.
Argentina in First place of Group J
With this win and another clean sheet, Argentina are currently at the top of Group J with Austria in second. Later tonight. Jordan will face Algeria in the other group J matchup. While it feels like a foregone conclusion that Messi and his fellow Argentines will clinch the top spot and advance to the round of 32 to begin the knockout stages, it will depend on who will face them in the second position of Group H. Until we get to that moment, Lionel Messi continues to be the goat of the footballing world and shows why he is the ageless wonder.
Lionel Messi makes history as the all-time goal scorer of the FIFA World Cup, passing Miroslav Klose with 17 goals and a second for his 18th against Austria.
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