The 38-year-old Argentine captain missed a penalty, scored twice and stretched his World Cup scoring run to six matches in a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Austria that sent his team into the knockout stage.
Messi's first goal, a first-time finish from Facundo Medina's low cross, moved him level with Brazilian great Marta on 17 World Cup goals across the men's and women's tournaments. His stoppage-time second took him clear on his own, setting a new overall mark.
"I'm very happy with the win," Messi said. "It was a hugely important victory, a tough one, and one we worked hard for. It gives us calm for what's coming."
The night might have been more comfortable had he converted from the spot in the first half, but Messi said Argentina could take satisfaction from managing the game after Austria improved following the break.
"The truth is that the way it turned out today was spectacular," he said. "I had the penalty that could have increased the lead, but I'm happy with the result and with the team's work."
Messi, who turns 39 later this week, now has five goals at this World Cup and Argentina have six points from two Group J matches, enough to reach the last 32 with a game to spare.
FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup is taking place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament features 48 national teams and is played at 16 modern stadiums.
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