Lionel Messi broke the World Cup scoring record as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Dallas to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Messi had missed an early penalty after VAR intervened to award a spot-kick for a foul on Lautaro Martinez but the 38-year-old Argentina captain could not be denied for long, scoring with a trademark finish from Facundo Medina’s low cross in the first half.
Messi’s first goal brought up 17 in the World Cup – moving him clear of Miroslav Klose as the top scorer in the tournament’s history. He added a second in stoppage-time to take his tally to five in just two Group J fixtures after his hat-trick against Algeria.
Austria, who beat Jordan in their opening match, were combative if lacking a little quality in the final third, and will still fancy their chances of progressing. But it is the holders who top Group J and look set to top the table in defence of the trophy.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi runs away celebrating after scoring the opening goal
The key moments from Dallas…
9 – PENALTY MISS! Messi puts his penalty wide of the post
20 – Messi is through but delays the shot and the chance is gone
23 – Sabitzer’s effort is blocked by Romero as Austria threaten
31 – Messi’s shot is blocked by Danso after a flick to Martinez
38 – GOAL! Medina’s cross finds Messi to dispatch low into the net
57 – Romero suffers a knee injury and is replaced by Otamendi
90+6: GOAL! Messi forces the ball in at the second attempt
Messi reveals anger at penalty
Lionel Messi speaking after Argentina’s 2-0 win:
“Beyond anything, I’m so happy for the win. It was huge, tough and difficult. It allows us to be relaxed for what’s ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense.
“I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy it with my team-mates. There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it.”
Analysis: Messi show goes on
Four of Messi’s 18 World Cup goals have been penalties but maybe it was more appropriate that the record-breaking effort came as it did. A late run into the box picked out by a smart pull-back and dispatching low into the near corner. Vintage Messi.
He is a different player now. But no less remarkable. In fact, shorn of pace and about to turn 39, it is even more improbable that he is able to do what he does. He has become the first man in over half a century to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Much is made of how this team is built to serve him. But the tactic is working. The policy is proving less successful for Portugal, while perhaps Spain could look to Lamine Yamal more than they are doing. Argentina have found the sweet spot.
Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina progressed with a game to spare in Group J
Lionel Messi’s shot map in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria
This was not even Messi’s best performance of this World Cup but he could still have scored five. And this was a test. A rare appearance for him of late against European opposition – with Ralf Rangnick’s Austria playing a physical, pressing game as well.
It was awkward for Messi and Argentina at times. The space that he had been afforded against Algeria was absent. Sometimes there were five Austria players around him as soon as he received the ball. But that meant there was space elsewhere. He found it.
Lionel Messi’s touch map in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria
A first-time pass here, a wriggle free there. It opened the pitch for the penalty won and missed, and the first goal that he scored. Test passed by Argentina. History made by Messi. Eighteen goals now but how many more still to come before the curtain comes down?
A place in the knockout stage has already been booked, although it would be a shock if Messi is not given the chance to add to his total against Jordan. What do you get the man who has everything? Maybe the Golden Boot? The Messi show just goes on and on.
What the result means…
If Argentina finish top of Group J, they will face the runners-up of Group H – currently Uruguay – in the last-32.
