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Messi makes World Cup history as Argentina beat Austria to advance to the knockout stage
- Anweshan Ghosh
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Lionel Messi added another World Cup record to his legacy as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 and advanced to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Argentina's qualification hopes on the line, the game ended with Messi surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the most prolific goalscorer in both men's and women's World Cup history. Following his sensational hat-trick against Algeria, Messi bagged another brace, carrying his country on his shoulders as usual.
Austria matched Argentina in the early stages of the game, pressing high and not allowing Scaloni's team to settle in possession. Messi missed a penalty early in the first half, but made amends by scoring an exact replica of the iconic El Clasico goal, lashing onto Facundo Medina's pass and burying it into the bottom corner.
Enzo Fernandez, Alexis MacAllister, and Rodrigo De Paul were outstanding midfielders who kept Argentina in possession at all times.
Austria responded in the second half, with their best chance coming from a free kick that Emiliano Martinez saved brilliantly. Argentina's defensive unit, on the other hand, remained calm and composed even without the ball, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez comfortably dealing with Austrian attacks, and Emi Martinez had virtually no work to do for the majority of the game.
As Ralf Ragnick's team committed more men forward in search of an equaliser, Argentina launched a quick counter late in injury time, with Messi completing his brace, cementing himself as the World Cup's top scorer with 18 goals and counting.
While Argentina's collective chemistry proved to be the key to their victory, Leo Messi once again stole the show. At an age when most players have long retired from the game, he delivered an outstanding performance on the biggest stage.
Since 2018, every World Cup has raised questions about whether it will be his last, but with such performances, only he knows when he will stop, and right now it appears he will not stop making history.
This loss has no bearing on Austria's World Cup campaign, but it puts Argentina in strong contention to finish first in Group J and potentially face arch rivals Uruguay or Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
More importantly, this victory sent a clear message to all of the World Cup favourites that the world champions are still a formidable force capable of defending their title in the United States. Austria will have some work to do in their final game against Algeria, as both teams aim to finish second in the group.
Julian Alvarez drops a transfer bombshell in the World Cup
Julian Alvarez, an Argentine forward, dropped a huge bombshell following the World Cup game against Austria, expressing his desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer. FC Barcelona are the front-runners, but PSG and Arsenal have also expressed interest in the 25-year-old.
Following the Alvarez saga, relations between Atletico and Barcelona deteriorated, with the former mocking Barcelona on social media. They have no plans to sell Julian this summer, but the player has now expressed his desire publicly, putting some pressure on the Madrid giants.
"I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer, and I want to fulfil my dream," Alvarez said. (sic)
He further added, "It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide it. I try to be an honest person.” (sic)
Until now, Atletico has refused to enter into talks with Barcelona about selling Julian Alvarez, but if Barça activates the €500 million release clause, they will be forced to let him go.
According to reports, Barcelona are the favourites to sign him right now because the player has initiated the move and wants to move to the Catalan capital next. It has also been reported that his relationship with manager Diego Simeone is strained, and a continuation is unlikely.
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