Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina have become one of the first teams to secure a place in the Round of 32 after a 2-0 victory over Austria in their second Group J match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The win gives La Albiceleste six points from two matches, guaranteeing their progression to the knockout stages as they continue their bid to retain the world title.

While Argentina’s qualification was a major milestone, the spotlight firmly belonged to captain Lionel Messi, who once again etched his name into football history.

The 38-year-old superstar scored both goals against Austria to take his FIFA World Cup tally to 18 goals, making him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

In doing so, Messi surpassed the previous men’s record of 16 goals held by Miroslav Klose and moved beyond Marta to become the outright leading scorer across both the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Messi had already equalled Klose’s record with a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 victory over Algeria.

Against Austria, he needed just one goal to break the mark and achieved the feat in the 38th minute before adding a second in stoppage time to seal the result.

Despite missing an earlier penalty, Messi once again demonstrated his class and leadership, guiding Argentina to another convincing victory.

The result leaves coach Lionel Scaloni and his side in complete control of Group J ahead of their final group-stage encounter against Jordan.

With a place in the Round of 32 secured and their legendary captain continuing to rewrite the record books, Argentina’s title defence is gathering momentum. If Messi can maintain his remarkable form, the reigning champions will remain among the favourites to lift football’s biggest prize once again.