KUCHING: Lionel Messi added another chapter to his remarkable career on Sunday, scoring twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to become the latest team to book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
The Argentine captain made history in Dallas by taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing the previous record and becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
The night did not begin according to script for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi saw an early penalty drift wide in the ninth minute — the first missed spot-kick of the tournament but the setback only delayed the inevitable.
After a tightly contested opening half, the 39-year-old finally produced the breakthrough in the 38th minute. Combining neatly with his teammates on the edge of the area, Messi made one of his trademark runs before calmly slotting into the bottom corner to score his record-breaking 17th World Cup goal.
Austria struggled to offer a meaningful response after the interval, with Argentina controlling possession and limiting their opponents’ attacking threat.
The World Cup holders appeared destined to settle for a one-goal victory until Messi struck again deep into stoppage time.
Picking up possession on the right, he fed Julian Alvarez before continuing his run into the penalty area. Although Alvarez’s initial effort was saved, Messi reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and claim goal number 18 on the sport’s biggest stage.
The brace ensured Argentina maintained their perfect start to the tournament after opening their campaign with victory over Algeria.
Argentina’s qualification was confirmed by the result, but the night belonged once again to Messi, whose record-breaking brace added another milestone to an unparalleled World Cup career.
For a player who has spent two decades rewriting records, Sunday’s performance delivered yet another milestone — and judging by his form, the Argentine great may not be finished yet.
