FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi Scores Another Brace Vs Austria, Leaves Global Fans Elated

An utterly epic and memorable chapter of football history was created at the Dallas Stadium in Texas as Lionel Messi scored a superb brace to lead reigning champions Argentina to a convincing 2-0 victory against a feisty Austria. Entering the highly anticipated Group J battle locked with German icon Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, the 38-year-old maestro faced an early emotional roller coaster. In the 8th minute, Argentina was granted a penalty following a foul on Lautaro Martínez, but global fans were left surprised as Messi inexplicably pulled his spot-kick wide of the post. Refusing to allow the early blunder define the night, Argentina continued unrelenting offensive waves. Facundo Medina's low cross into the penalty box in the 38th minute marked the historic breakthrough. Thiago Almada's stunning, deliberate dummy allowed the ball to glide perfectly to Messi, who finished clinically into the bottom corner. That shot officially named him the solitary best goal-scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 17 goals. Messi delivered the final, devastating punch as a tenacious Austrian team led by Ralf Rangnick pushed troops forward in pursuit of a late equalizer.