Football has a new king of the FIFA World Cup — and his name is Lionel Messi.
In a breathtaking Argentina vs Austria match, Messi scored twice to not only secure a 2-0 victory for his nation but also shatter one of football’s most sacred records. With 18 World Cup goals now to his name, Messi officially surpasses Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
How the Argentina vs Austria Match Unfolded
From the opening whistle, Argentina dominated the tempo. The Austrians defended deep, but Messi was simply unstoppable on the night.
The first goal arrived in the 38th minute — a moment of pure Messi magic. He picked up the ball, cut past his marker, and slotted home with characteristic precision. The crowd erupted. Argentina was in control.
For large stretches of the second half, Austria fought back. They pushed higher, pressed harder, and threatened to level. But Argentina held firm.
Then came the moment the world had been waiting for.
In the 90+4th minute, deep into stoppage time, Messi struck again — sealing the win and, in doing so, making history.
The Record That Changed Football Forever
To truly appreciate what happened in the Argentina vs Austria clash, you need to understand what Messi had to overcome.
Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals stood for over a decade. The German striker scored those goals across four World Cups — a feat widely considered untouchable.
But Messi had been chasing it down quietly.
- In Argentina’s first match against Algeria, Messi fired a stunning hat-trick, bringing his tally to 16 goals, drawing level with Klose.
- In Argentina vs Austria, Messi’s brace pushed him to 18 goals, leaving the record shattered and the football world in awe.
Messi’s World Cup Goal Journey: A Quick Look
| Match | Goals Scored | Running Total |
|---|---|---|
| vs Algeria | Hat-trick (3 goals) | 16 (tied with Klose) |
| vs Austria | Brace (2 goals) | 18 (new record) |
Why This Moment Matters
Records in sport are meant to be broken — but some feel permanent. Klose’s 16-goal mark was one of them.
What makes Messi’s achievement even more remarkable is how he did it. Not through longevity or sheer physicality, but through brilliance, vision, and an ability to deliver on the biggest stage when it matters most.
The Argentina vs Austria game will go down as more than just a 2-0 win. It’s the night Messi stepped into a category of his own — the greatest World Cup goalscorer of all time.
What’s Next for Argentina?
Argentina advances with momentum and confidence, riding high. With Messi in this form, opposing defenses must be dreading their turn.
The squad looks balanced, dangerous, and united behind their talismanic captain. If Messi keeps delivering, Argentina’s World Cup dream looks very much alive.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- ⚽ Final Score: Argentina 2 – 0 Austria
- 🕐 First Goal: 38th minute (Messi)
- 🕘 Second Goal: 90+4th minute (Messi)
- 📊 Messi’s total World Cup goals: 18
- 🏅 Previous record holder: Miroslav Klose (16 goals)
- 🔥 Record broken: Most goals in FIFA World Cup history
Also Read: Can Argentina Win Back-to-Back FIFA World Cups? Will Lionel Messi Cement His Legacy as the Ultimate GOAT?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the final score in the Argentina vs Austria match?
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0, with Lionel Messi scoring both goals — one in the 38th minute and another in the 90+4th minute.
What record did Messi break in the Argentina vs Austria game?
Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals, becoming the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals.
How many goals did Messi score before the Argentina vs Austria match to tie Klose?
Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria in a previous match, which brought his total to 16, equaling Klose’s long-standing record.
How many World Cup goals does Messi have after Argentina vs Austria?
After his brace against Austria, Messi’s total FIFA World Cup goal tally stands at 18, the highest in tournament history.
Why is the Argentina vs Austria result significant for football history?
This match marked the night Messi officially became the greatest World Cup scorer ever, overtaking a record that had stood for years — a truly historic moment in football.
I’m a football writer, covering top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. I write about match analysis, football news, tactics, and major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, delivering clear, engaging insights for fans.
About The Author
