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Irrepressible Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina beat Austria

The Guardian Sport Monday 22 June 2026, 19:16 UTC By Nick Ames at Dallas Stadium 1 min read
Key Points

It had to be Lionel Messi, it had to be on this day and perhaps it even needed to be in Dallas too. History was made in the way he knows best, a clinical left-footed flourish setting him out on his own as the World Cup’s highest goalscorer of all time. Another followed with the game’s final action and at this rate 18 may even seem a modest figure a month from now.

It had to be Lionel Messi, it had to be on this day and perhaps it even needed to be in Dallas too. History was made in the way he knows best, a clinical left-footed flourish setting him out on his own as the World Cup’s highest goalscorer of all time.

Another followed with the game’s final action and at this rate 18 may even seem a modest figure a month from now. Messi has already scored five goals in two games, all but guaranteeing that Argentina will win Group J. A first golden boot would not be the worst present for an icon who turns 39 on Wednesday.

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Messi (PERSON) World Cup (EVENT) Argentina (LOCATION) Austria (LOCATION) Lionel Messi (PERSON) Dallas (LOCATION) the World Cup (EVENT)
Originally published by The Guardian Sport Read original →

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