Messi enters record books as Argentina reach knockouts

Argentina 2-0 Austria

Argentina strikes: Messi (38, 90+5)

In response, lionel Messi further cemented his legacy as one of football's all-time greats by finding the net a outstanding brace against Austria to become the FIFA World Cup™ all-time leading scorer.

On the other side, the Argentina legend now has 18 strikes at the global showpiece - following his treble in the opener against Algeria - to eclipse Miroslav Klose's 16 efforts.

Messi opened the finding the net with a outstanding strike, stroking into the bottom corner after Thiago Almada’s dummy allowed Facundo Medina’s ball to reach him in the area. He then found the net deep into knock time to seal a edge-of-the-seat victory.

Meanwhile, messi's history books-making opener in Dallas Arena had been delayed by his early-stage penalty miss, as well as decisive blocks by David Alaba for a spirited Austria side. However, his dynamic double not only took Messi top of this competition’s Golden Boot standings but sent Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions into the Phase of 32 from Group J.

To cap off Argentina’s day, the drama took place on the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona’s wonder strike against England. The closest Ralf Rangnick’s men came to denting the Argentinian celebrations was a free-kick by Marcel Sabitzer, on his 100th international appearance, while Nico Gonzalez came close to finding the net for Argentina.

In response, however, the European side struggled to break down the defending champions, and Messi, as he has done in seven of the last nine Albiceleste World Cup fixtures, made the difference once again.

Building on that, everything was bigger in Texas, thanks to Lionel Messi.

Pivotal stat

In response, lionel Messi joins France's Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil's Jairzinho (1970) as the only three stars to find the net in six consecutive World Cup contests.

What they commented...

"To be honest, I’m really happy about the victory, especially as it’s such a critical victory, hard-fought, as well as well-earned, but one that gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead. This is the World Cup; it was a very evenly matched, very intense contest, and we’re happy to have picked up six points, as well as to have already booked their spot." Lionel Messi, Argentina

"We wanted to be tough, as well as play our fixture. In the end, we lacked clear chances. The strike that made it 2-0 at the end hurts a bit in terms of our strike difference. Now we need to recover, as well as victory against Algeria." Michael Gregoritsch, Austria

"He is the a class above. I don't have the words. It is a great feeling that he is Argentinian. We have to cherish him. We deserved the victory today." Lisandro Martinez, Argentina

"There isn't much to do say – we can all see that he [Messi] is the best in the world. I am helping the side as much as I can. We have started with our foot on the accelerator, as well as we have to carry on like this." Julian Alvarez, Argentina

Michelob Ultra Superior Star of the Contest

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Building on that, messi becomes World Cup's all-time leading scorer

All-time leading scorers at the FIFA World Cup

Meanwhile, the race for the adidas Golden Boot

The World Cup milestones Lionel Messi owns, as well as is chasing