Lionel Messi makes FIFA World Cup history with goal in Argentina-Austria clash: Watch

The legendary Lionel Messi added another world record to his collection on Monday after scoring in Argentina's second game of the FIFA World Cup, against Austria in Dallas.

LIVE | Argentina vs Austria, FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match in Dallas

Messi had scored a sensational hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in their tournament-opener in Kansas City last week, helping 'La Albiceleste' begin their title defence on a victorious note and move to the top of the table.

Messi surpasses Klose in Dallas

Among other things, the hat-trick had helped Messi go level with iconic German forward Miroslav Klose's tally of 16 goals – the most by a player in the history of the tournament.

And with his goal in the 39th minute of Argentina's second Group J clash, Messi became the leading goal-scorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup. The Barcelona icon had missed a penalty in the ninth-minute of the game, but roared back later in the first half with an inch-perfect shot off a Facundo Medina assist that threaded the gap between keeper Alexander Schlager and the far post.

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Brazilian legend Ronaldo was the leading goal-scorer in World Cup history with 15 goals before Klose overtook him with two goals in the 2014 edition.

The former Inter Milan and Real Madrid currently is third in the list of leading World Cup goal-scorers, with Gerd Muller at the fourth spot with 14.

Messi was not done with his first strike so he added another one to his tally to break the record of Brazil's Marta who had the most World Cup goals (men or women). Marta's record of 17 was surpassed by the Argentine legend in the stoppage time.

His brace helped Argentina seal their place in the Round of 32 of the World Cup.