Lionel Messi had just broken the greatest individual record in World Cup history. He was exhausted; he admitted he could barely think straight, but that did not stop him from reflecting on a historic night for Argentina.I am enjoying this moment and seeing how far we can go together, Messi said after the 2-0 win over Austria sealed their place in the last 16. Today I had the penalty, but maybe I wouldnt have scored the others if that had gone in.Only Messi could turn a missed penalty into a philosophical footnote. His ninth-minute spot-kick was woefully wide, and it looked for long periods as though it might prove costly against a disciplined Austria side that gave the defending champions considerably more trouble than the scoreline suggests. When asked to identify his favourite among his 18 World Cup goals, a tally that now stands alone in history, Messi was characteristically uninterested in the question. I dont know, to be honest, I cant remember right now, he said with a smile. Im tired, Im running low on energy and Im finding it hard to think. Im just going to enjoy this moment and Im looking forward to celebrating with my team-mates.The captain was more expansive on the significance of the result itself. Im really happy about the win, especially as its such a crucial victory, hard-fought and well-earned, but one that gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead, he said. This is the World Cup. It was a very evenly matched, very intense match, and were happy to have picked up six points and to have already qualified.Julian Alvarez, who played a key role in the second goal before Messi bundled home the rebound, kept his assessment simple. There isnt much to say we can all see that he is the best in the world, the forward said. I am helping the team as much as I can. We have started with our foot on the accelerator and we have to carry on like this.Rangnick left frustratedAustria manager Ralf Rangnick was frustrated by the manner of the defeat but refused to be downcast about his sides overall display. We could have achieved more, but overall our performance was exactly as wed planned bold and courageous, he said. I would have liked to see a bit more courage in one or two situations, and perhaps a shot or two from distance, which would have been possible, especially in the first half. The way the 2-0 came about, with that counter-attack, was very frustrating. But overall, it was a good performance from us.Rangnick is right that Austria were excellent value on the night. They now face Algeria in the group finale, knowing a win should be enough to advance. For Argentina, the only direction is forward. Six points, already through, a record-breaker in the ranks. Topics Argentina National Football Team Lionel Messi 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 Argentina 2-0 Austria: Report, result and goals as Messi makes World Cup history Mitch Fretton 22nd June, 2026 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
