Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach last 32

ARLINGTON: Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 on Monday to secure a place in the World Cup round of 32, with the captain setting a new all-time men’s tournament scoring record in the process.

Argentina’s victory confirmed progression from Group J. The team can still finish first in the group if Algeria beat Jordan later on Monday or if that match ends level.

Messi’s first goal came in the 38th minute, when he finished with his left foot to move beyond Germany’s Miroslav Klose, whose mark of 16 goals Messi had matched with a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening game. The strike was Messi’s 17th in men’s World Cup history. He added another in stoppage time at the end of the second half, taking his tally to 18.

The late goal arrived in the fifth minute of added time after Messi followed up his own saved effort in front of goal. He then found a way through a crowd of Austrian defenders to place the ball just inside the right post and seal the result.

The Argentina captain had earlier missed from the penalty spot after being given a chance to put his side ahead. Officials awarded the penalty after a video review determined that Lautaro Martinez had been fouled in the box by Austria. Messi’s attempt went wide to the right.

Messi, who played the full 90 minutes, had already made history with his first goal of the match. That effort also took him past Brazil’s Marta, who has scored 17 goals in six Women’s World Cup appearances.

Austria offered little going forward and did not produce a clear shot on target in the first half, as Argentina controlled the game for long stretches before Messi’s late second goal put the outcome beyond doubt.