World Cup 2026: Messi Surpasses Klose, Argentina Extend Winning Streak vs Austria

Messi breaks Klose’s record as Argentina beat Austria

Messi broke Klose’s World Cup goals record with a 17th strike as Argentina downed Austria 2-0. Emi Martinez saved Sabitzer’s free-kick as the champs booked knockout football.

Messi 17th World Cup goal, Argentina beat Austria 2-0, nine wins in a row...  

Lionel Messi moved clear of Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goals record and once again proved decisive for Argentina. The defending champions beat Austria 2-0 in their Group J clash in Dallas and booked a place in the Round of 32.

Argentina came out firing, just as expected. Lisandro Martínez was brought down by Stefan Posch in the 4th minute and the initial penalty call was overturned, but VAR stepped in and awarded the spot-kick.

The penalty gave Messi a chance to put Argentina ahead, but he uncharacteristically dragged his effort wide. That miss sparked Austria, who pressed hard at every chance, with Marcel Sabitzer and David Alaba leading the charge.

By the first hydration break, Austria had the momentum but hadn’t truly tested Argentina’s goal. Konrad Laimer was busy too, trying four 1v1s. Argentina started to regain control, and their opener felt inevitable.

Who else but Messi to ignite the moment. He side-footed Facundo Medina’s low cross for a record-breaking 17th World Cup goal.

Austria came out strong after the break and had the better of the opening minutes. Emi Martínez was called into action early, then brilliantly tipped Marcel Sabitzer’s fierce free-kick over the bar.

Austria turned up the physicality, and the game broke up with a string of free-kicks. It disrupted Argentina’s flow, but it also killed Das Team’s rhythm and stopped them building any momentum.

Nico Gonzalez met Messi’s first corner in the 72nd minute with a thumping header, but it drifted just wide. As Austria pushed harder for an equaliser, the game opened up at both ends.

Kevin Danso threw himself in front of González’s late shot, while substitute Marko Arnautovic was barely sighted as Argentina’s defence shut him down. La Albiceleste closed it out in the dying minutes.

And it was Messi again who put the seal on it, lashing home through a packed box after a goalmouth scramble in stoppage time.

The win stretched Argentina’s World Cup unbeaten run to eight games - 6 wins, 2 draws - and marked their ninth straight victory. Austria, meanwhile, suffered just their second loss in 13 matches across all competitions, with 10 wins and 1 draw. Ralf Rangnick’s side can still advance to the knockouts though.