Messi Sets World Cup Record with 18 Goals Against Austria

Lionel Messi, the forward for Inter Miami and former player for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals after scoring a brace against Austria. This milestone occurred during a group stage match on a date not specified, where Messi scored his first goal in the 38th minute, assisted by Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina.

His second goal came in stoppage time, showcasing his skill by firing a tight angle shot past Austrian defenders. Earlier in the match, Messi missed a penalty kick awarded after a foul by Stefan Posch on Lautaro Martinez.

Messi's record surpasses the previous holder, Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals from 2002 to 2014. This match also marked Messi's second encounter with Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick.

Argentina secured six points in Group J, joining Mexico and the United States in the knockout stage.