For a brief moment in Dallas, Lionel Messi looked human. Then, as he has done so many times throughout his remarkable career, he reminded the football world why he remains its defining figure. The Argentina captain recovered from a missed penalty to score twice against Austria, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history and guiding the defending champions into the knockout stage.
The stage felt destined for history long before kick-off. Argentina supporters packed the stands knowing they could witness a landmark moment, and every touch from Messi was greeted with anticipation. When the 38-year-old finally curled a left-footed effort beyond Alexander Schlager in the 39th minute, the stadium erupted.
Chants of “Messi, Messi” echoed around the arena as fans bowed in celebration. The goal moved him beyond Germany legend Miroslav Klose and into first place on the World Cup scoring charts with 17 goals.
The remarkable part was that the record almost arrived much earlier. Argentina were awarded a first-half penalty after Lautaro Martinez was fouled, presenting Messi with a golden chance. Instead, he dragged his effort wide, leaving supporters stunned and Austria suddenly energised.
“Today there was a moment where I was very angry about the penalty because I missed it,” Messi admitted afterwards. “Luckily we were able to turn that situation around, we were able to take the lead and get the three points.”
That response perhaps revealed more about Messi than the record itself. Rather than disappear, he grew into the contest. His movement sharpened, his influence increased, and Austria’s resistance slowly weakened.
“When Messi gets fired up, everyone gets fired up,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. “Even when the team was struggling, he stole balls, he was committed. That’s what he brings.”
His second goal deep into stoppage time sealed a 2-0 victory and took his World Cup tally to 18. It also moved him ahead of Brazil legend Marta as the leading scorer across both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
The numbers continue to defy belief. Messi has now scored all five of Argentina’s goals at this World Cup and has found the net in six consecutive World Cup matches, matching a feat achieved only by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho.
Yet statistics tell only part of the story. This is the same player who retired from international football in 2016 after another painful final defeat. A decade later, he stands atop football’s greatest stage once more.
“He doesn’t stop surprising us,” said Leandro Paredes.
At almost 39, Messi is not simply extending his legacy. He is redefining it. And with Argentina already through and another group game still to come, football’s greatest record collector may not be finished writing history just yet.
