Messi Sets New World Cup Scoring Record As Argentina Defeat Austria

2 hours ago

Lionel Messi further cemented his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats after scoring a brilliant brace against Austria, becoming the FIFA World Cup™ all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s 16-goal record.

The Argentina captain opened the scoring with a composed finish into the bottom corner after a clever build-up involving Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina. He later sealed victory with a dramatic second goal deep into injury time, completing a historic performance that followed his hat-trick in the opening match against Algeria.

Messi’s milestone moment came after an earlier penalty miss and a strong defensive display from Austria, led by David Alaba, which had kept Argentina frustrated for long spells. However, the reigning champions eventually broke through, sending Lionel Scaloni’s side into the Round of 32 from Group J.

The match also coincided with the anniversary of Diego Maradona’s iconic “Goal of the Century” against England, adding further symbolism to Argentina’s victory.

Also Read: FAZ President Keith Mweemba Vows Zambian Football Will Rise Before He Leaves Office

Austria threatened through Marcel Sabitzer, while Argentina came close through Nico González, but Messi once again proved decisive when it mattered most.

The Inter Miami forward also set another milestone, becoming one of only three players in history alongside Just Fontaine and Jairzinho to score in six consecutive World Cup matches. For his performance, Messi was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match.

#	Team	GP	Pts
1	Power Dynamos	34	78
2	Red Arrows	34	63
3	Kabwe Warriors	33	51
4	Nchanga Rangers	34	50
5	Zanaco	33	50
6	Green Eagles	34	50
7	Mufulira Wanderers	34	49
8	Konkola Blades	34	48
9	FC MUZA	33	48
10	Zesco United	33	44
11	Kansanshi Dynamos	34	43
12	Green Buffaloes	34	41
13	Nkana FC	34	39
14	Nkwazi FC	33	37
15	Mutondo Stars	33	35
16	Napsa Stars	33	33
17	FC Leopards	33	31
18	Mines United	34	18

#	Team	GP	Pt
1	Makeni All Stars	34	66
2	Chirundu United	34	65
3	Trident FC	34	65
4	Roan United FC	34	64
5	Forest Rangers	34	58
6	Kafue Celtic	34	58
7	Lumwana Radiants	34	56
8	Aguila Stars	34	53
9	Atletico Lusaka	34	47
10	Jumulo FC	34	42
11	Indeni FC	34	40
12	Ndola United	34	39
13	Kitwe United	34	36
14	Chipata City Council FC	34	36
15	Locus FC	34	34
16	Chambishi FC	34	28
17	River Plate	34	25
18	Mpulungu Harbour	34	14

#	Team	GP	Pt
1	Zesco Ndola Girls	34	88
2	Green Buffaloes Women	34	83
3	Indeni Roses	34	75
4	Zanaco Ladies	34	67
5	Red Arrows Women	34	67
6	Green Eagles Women	34	63
7	Konkola Blades Queens	34	57
8	Nchanga Rangers Queens	34	52
9	Trident Queens	34	45
10	The Elite Ladies	34	45
11	Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens	34	33
12	National Assembly Women	34	32
13	Luyando Foundation Girls	34	31
14	YASA Queens	34	27
15	ZISD FC	34	25
16	Amazing Grace FC	34	24
17	Nkwazi Queens	34	20
18	Chipata Girls	34	15

#	Team	GP	Pts
1	Power Dynamos	34	78
2	Red Arrows	34	63
3	Kabwe Warriors	33	51
4	Nchanga Rangers	34	50
5	Zanaco	33	50
6	Green Eagles	34	50
7	Mufulira Wanderers	34	49
8	Konkola Blades	34	48
9	FC MUZA	33	48
10	Zesco United	33	44
11	Kansanshi Dynamos	34	43
12	Green Buffaloes	34	41
13	Nkana FC	34	39
14	Nkwazi FC	33	37
15	Mutondo Stars	33	35
16	Napsa Stars	33	33
17	FC Leopards	33	31
18	Mines United	34	18

#	Team	GP	Pt
1	Makeni All Stars	34	66
2	Chirundu United	34	65
3	Trident FC	34	65
4	Roan United FC	34	64
5	Forest Rangers	34	58
6	Kafue Celtic	34	58
7	Lumwana Radiants	34	56
8	Aguila Stars	34	53
9	Atletico Lusaka	34	47
10	Jumulo FC	34	42
11	Indeni FC	34	40
12	Ndola United	34	39
13	Kitwe United	34	36
14	Chipata City Council FC	34	36
15	Locus FC	34	34
16	Chambishi FC	34	28
17	River Plate	34	25
18	Mpulungu Harbour	34	14

Argentina Vs Austria | Match Highlights | FIFA World Cup 2026

Related Articles

Patson Daka Named December’s PFA Fans’ Player of the Month

ABSA Injects K7 Million into Cup Competition, Winners to Earn K1.1 Million

Jonathan Kalimina, 17, set to join Red Bulls from Zambian side Kafue Celtic in 2027

Zambia U-17 Women Set for DRC Test in World Cup Qualifier