Lionel Messi rewrote multiple sections of World Cup history in the same match as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J clash in Dallas.
Messi scored twice from open play, sent Argentina into the knockouts and broke six World Cup records in one night.
The result took the defending champions to six points from two matches and confirmed their place in the Round of 32 with one group game still to play.
For Austria, who had started the tournament with a win over Jordan, this was a night of resistance without enough attacking quality.
Messi's goalscoring record will naturally dominate the headlines, but it was not the only major record he made against Austria.
The win itself was historic, moving him ahead of Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup matches won by a player.
He also broke records for the most World Cup penalties taken and missed, and became the oldest player to score two or more goals in a World Cup match.
