By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 23, 2026 02:23 AM • 67 views
History has a way of tracking down Lionel Messi, even when he tries to make the journey difficult for himself.
On a fateful night in Doha, the Argentine playmaker surpassed modern football’s limits again, sending Argentina to the Round of 32 with a lesson in resilience. Scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Austria, Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
The Inter Miami star, who turns 39 on Wednesday, proved time can’t slow his brilliance. With five goals in two group games, the road to glory still demanded he fight past a familiar challenge.
A Bruised Start and Spot-Kick Sorrow
Eight minutes in, Lautaro Martinez charged into the area but was sandwiched by Austrian Stefan Posch and Xaver Schlager. Referee Amin Omar initially waved play on, but VAR quickly awarded Argentina a penalty.
Messi stepped up to break records but missed the penalty, dragging it wide—his third World Cup miss from the spot, recalling failures against Iceland (2018) and Poland (2022).
For a while, Austria, anchored by David Alaba, threatened to spoil the party. Alaba tracked Messi relentlessly, first dispossessing him near the goal, then blocking a close-range shot.
The Breakthrough of a Legend
But greatness cannot be contained for 90 minutes. In the 38th minute, a moment of sublime tactical choreography unlocked the Austrian rearguard.
Thiago Almada led the attack, slipping a pass wide to Facundo Medina. Medina’s cross found Almada, who let it run through his legs, deceiving the Austrians and setting up an unmarked Messi for a calm finish.
With that single touch, Miroslav Klose’s long-standing men's record of 16 World Cup goals was broken.
Rangnick’s Resolute Resistance
Austria didn’t give in. Early in the second half, Cristian Romero fouled near the box, forcing Emi Martinez to tip Marcel Sabitzer’s free-kick away.
Austria pressed but lacked a clinical touch. Michael Gregoritsch’s late header missed the target.
"We were brave and courageous, both against and with the ball," Rangnick reflected. His side still sits in a strong Group J position with three points. "We had more possession than many expected. Unfortunately, we couldn't nullify every counter-attack. In the second half, we did a much better job—except in the last five minutes."
Sealing the Legacy
In the 95th minute, Messi capped his night. Substitutes nearly scored before Julian Alvarez set up the second goal.
Alvarez’s shot was parried; Messi’s rebound was blocked. He soon pounced, converting from six yards to seal six points for Argentina.
The second strike pushed Messi to 18 World Cup goals. He moved past Brazilian legend Marta’s iconic haul of 17, claiming the undisputed crown across both men’s and women’s games.
Argentina aims to keep its perfect group record against Jordan on Saturday in Dallas. Austria meets Algeria in Kansas, still chasing knockout qualification.
