Messi's record brace sends Argentina into World Cup knockout stage

By Hoang Nguyen JUN. 23, 2026

Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 on Monday, securing a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 tournament.

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Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta (GMT+7)

June 23
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Final score: Argentina 2-0 Austria
After Messi's free kick went off target, the ref also blew the final whistle. Hat-trick in the first match, brace in the second. A record broken. Argentina into the next round. Flawless run so far for Argentina and Messi.

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Messi again!
You just cannot stop him. First Alvarez was denied, then Messi was also denied, but he found a way to send it home to seal the three points. Argentina have scored five goals in this tournament, and every single one of them was scored by Messi.

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Sabitzer's free kick found Danso, who headed toward Kevin Wimmer for a finish, and that was not far away from goal.

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Paredes was booked for a dangerous tackle.

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There will be five minutes added to the second half.

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Gonzalez broke through on the left and cut inside, past a defender, but couldn't beat Schlager. The following shots by Argentina were blocked by Kevin Danso and other players.

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Austria are still urgent, but still struggled to find a way into Argentina's defense. Rangnick replaced Michael Gregoritsch with Carney Chukwuemeka.

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Rodrigo De Paul is out for Leandro Paredes, who came on to strengthen Argentina's midfield.

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If Argentina play like this against Austria, it would be much more challenging for them going against a top team.

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There’s a bit of a scuffle between Facundo Medina and Konrad Laimer, who both get yellow cards for their trouble.

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Just one more goal against Austria would make Messi the all-time scorer in World Cup history. This is the biggest of the three records awaiting the Argentina captain.

The second record also involves Klose. The victory against Algeria was Messi's 16th World Cup win, equaling the former German international's record. If Argentina defeat Austria, Messi will have 17 World Cup wins and become the player with the most wins in the tournament's history.

The remaining record is more specific. His left-footed opening goal against Algeria was Messi's fifth goal from outside the penalty area in a World Cup, equaling the record of Brazilian legend Rivelino. If he continues to score from outside the penalty area, Messi will become the player with the most long-range goals in World Cup history.

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