Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer on Monday, scoring twice as holders Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria to reach the last 32.
Messi had a chance to break the record early in the Group J clash in Arlington, Texas, but dragged an eighth-minute penalty wide of the post.
He made no mistake in the 38th minute, sweeping home a low finish to move to 17 World Cup goals, one ahead of Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16.
The Argentina captain then extended the landmark in stoppage time, forcing the ball through a crowded defence to take his tally to 18 goals overall.
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The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 39 on Wednesday, also took his tournament tally to five goals, following his hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria.
The victory ensured Argentina’s place in the knockout rounds, with the possibility of finishing top of Group J depending on other results.
Messi now leads the race for the all-time scoring record by four goals over Kylian Mbappe, who is also pushing his own milestones at the tournament.
Mbappe is set to play his 100th international match for France against Iraq in Philadelphia, where he continues his chase of World Cup history.
“There is nothing bigger, 100 is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me,” Mbappe said on Sunday.
The France captain is level with West Germany legend Gerd Mueller on 14 World Cup goals after scoring twice in the opening 3-1 win over Senegal in Group I.
France will be expected to secure progression when they face Iraq, although weather forecasts in Philadelphia raise the possibility of disruption.
Norway striker Erling Haaland, who scored twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq, is also in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
Norway will qualify from Group I if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France defeat Iraq, with Haaland already making an early impact in the tournament.
Spain returned to form on Sunday with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, while debutants Cape Verde earned another notable result by drawing 2-2 with Uruguay.
Cape Verde coach Bubista said his team were now aiming for a place in the knockout rounds.
“We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that’s what we showed in today’s match,” Bubista said.
Belgium remain without a win after a 0-0 draw with Iran in Group G.
The Red Devils, who also drew their opening game against Egypt, ended the match in Los Angeles with 10 men as they struggled to break down Iran.
Iran’s players issued a message after the match at SoFi Stadium, saying, “may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity. May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”
Egypt moved top of the group after coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1, claiming their first World Cup victory.
