Messi sets World Cup scoring record as Argentina advances
13 reported
Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday in Arlington, Texas. Messi had a penalty kick opportunity in the ninth minute but missed wide to the right. He scored his first goal in the 39th minute after Thiago Almada let a pass go by directly onto Messi’s left foot. In injury time, Messi extended his record by sending a shot through several defenders after the goalkeeper turned away his first attempt. He entered the game even with Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals over four World Cups from 2002-14. The scoring record came 40 years to the day since Maradona’s “goal of the century” in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals. Messi joined Just Fontaine and Jairzinho as the only players to score in six straight World Cup games. Argentina extended its winning streak in the tournament to eight since a loss to Saudi Arabia in its 2022 opener.
What’s reported
Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals.
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to advance to the knockout stage.
The match was played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
Messi missed a penalty kick in the ninth minute.
He scored his first goal in the 39th minute.
He scored his second goal in injury time.
Messi entered the game tied with Miroslav Klose (16 goals over four World Cups).
The record came 40 years to the day since Maradona’s “goal of the century” in 1986.
Messi joined Just Fontaine and Jairzinho as players to score in six straight World Cup games.
Argentina’s winning streak in the tournament is now eight games.
Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament.
Austria opened with a 3-1 victory over Jordan.
Argentina faces Jordan in a group finale Saturday night.
Key figures
Lionel Messi, Argentina forward
Miroslav Klose, Germany striker (referenced for record)
Thiago Almada, Argentina player
Facuno Medina, Argentina player (name as spelled in article)
Alexander Schlager, Austria goalkeeper
Just Fontaine, referenced as record holder
Jairzinho, referenced as record holder
Diego Maradona, referenced for 1986 goal
Sources: abcnews.com
