Messi Breaks World Cup Scoring Record as Argentina Beat Austria

Argentina beat Austria 2–0 at Dallas Stadium to secure qualification from Group J with a game to spare. Lionel Messi stroked into the bottom corner on 38 minutes after Facundo Medina's pass reached him in the box — his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record — having earlier missed a ninth-minute penalty, and he sealed the win in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Julián Álvarez's effort was blocked.

Messi was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match as the Albiceleste finished with 54% possession, 12 shots and five on target to Austria's six and one in front of 70,649 fans. David Alaba made several crucial blocks for Ralf Rangnick's side, but Stefan Posch, Konrad Laimer, Facundo Medina and Leandro Paredes were booked as Austria failed to dent Argentina's celebrations on the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona's goal against England.

Argentina lead Group J on six points with Austria on three ahead of Jordan vs Algeria later on Monday and the final matchday on 27 June. The defending champions have now reached the knockout stage; Austria must beat Algeria in Kansas City and hope other results go their way to join them.