Lionel Messi missed a penalty then broke the all-time World Cup scoring record as Argentina secured their place in the last 32 with a hard-fought win over a stubborn Austria side.The 38-year-old squandered a ninth-minute spot-kick, side-footing woefully wide when well placed to surpass Miroslav Kloses record of 16 World Cup goals. But he made amends at the end of the first half, sliding home coolly after Facundo Medinas cutback to move one clear of the German and then added a scrappy second in the dying moments to put the result beyond doubt.Austria were excellent value for a contest that remained alive until deep into added time. Ralf Rangnicks side pressed relentlessly, created several presentable chances and gave Argentina considerably more trouble than the scoreline suggests.Table of ContentsAustria undone by Messi magicAustria push but Messi has last wordAustria undone by Messi magicThe penalty award came on seven minutes after VAR determined Stefan Posch had fouled Lautaro Martinez in the box. Messis attempt was embarrassingly poor, casual in the run-up and wide of the right post.Nicolas Seiwald blocked a Messi effort off the line on 31 minutes, and Gregoritsch headed narrowly over from Sabitzers delivery as the Austrians matched their opponents in the first period. That was until Almada slid the ball wide to Medina, whose perfectly timed cutback found Messi arriving at the back post. One touch, one finish, and the record was Messis. Seventeen World Cup goals, and that wouldnt be the last.Austria push but Messi has last wordAustria came again in the second half. Marcel Sabitzer, winning his 100th cap, forced Emiliano Martinez into a firm parry from a well-struck free-kick. Neither side could find a decisive second goal as the clock wound down, with Nicolas Gonzalez seeing a shot blocked by Kevin Danso in the 87th minute. But Messi settled it in stoppage time, his initial effort after Alvarezs shot was parried blocked, before he drove the rebound into the centre of the net from close range.Argentina are through, and Messi has 18 World Cup goals, the record. For now. Topics Argentina National Football Team Australia Men's National Soccer Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read WATCH: Messi becomes World Cups all-time top goalscorer Mitch Fretton 22nd June, 2026 WATCH: Messi proves he is human after missing record-breaking penalty at World Cup Mitch Fretton 22nd June, 2026 LIVE Argentina v Austria: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Lionel Messi takes centre stage in Dallas Jon Fisher 22nd June, 2026 Argentina vs Austria: Line-ups confirmed as Messi looks to break World Cup goal record Mitch Fretton 22nd June, 2026 Get enhanced odds of 1/1 on Lionel Messi to score or assist for Argentina against Austria with bet365 Jon Fisher 22nd June, 2026 Argentina v Austria: Predicted line-ups, where to watch, stats and preview as Messi looks to break goals record Mitch Fretton 22nd June, 2026
