ARLINGTON, Texas (TNND) — Lionel Messi scored twice Monday to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history and help defending champion Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Arlington, Texas.
Messi set the record with his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, passing former Germany star Miroslav Klose. He missed an early penalty kick but scored later in the first half and added another goal in injury time.
“I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said after the match.
The victory sends Argentina to the knockout stage and secures first place in Group J after Jordan lost 2-1 to Algeria later Monday.
Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament so far. He also joined Just Fontaine and Jairzinho as the only players to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Austria had chances to score but could not break through against Argentina’s defense. The team can still advance with a win over Algeria on Saturday.
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Argentina will play Jordan on Saturday in its final group-stage match, though Messi may be rested since the team has already secured first place.