Messi Mania! Lionel Sets New FIFA World Cup Scoring Record in Historic Match!

Lionel Messi has etched his name deeper into football history, becoming the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer in the men's competition on Monday. The 38-year-old Argentine captain scored twice as holders Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria, propelling them into the last 32 of the tournament.

The evening, however, did not start perfectly for Messi. In the ninth minute, he dragged a penalty wide of the post after a handball in the Austrian area. But the setback was temporary. In the 38th minute, following a clever pass from Alexis Mac Allister, Messi swept home a low finish into the bottom corner, marking his 17th career World Cup goal. This strike saw him surpass Miroslav Klose, with whom he had previously shared the record of 16 goals, to become the outright leading scorer in the men’s tournament.

Messi extended his record further deep into stoppage time. After sparking a counterattack, Julián Álvarez's effort was saved by the goalkeeper, and the loose ball fell kindly to Messi, who hammered home the rebound. This completed his brace, sealed Argentina's 2-0 win, and elevated his career World Cup goals tally to 18. This significant achievement cements his position at the summit of World Cup goalscorers in the men's competition, ahead of Miroslav Klose (16), Ronaldo Nazário (15), and Kylian Mbappé (14).

Argentina's victory guarantees them a place in the knockout rounds, with a chance to clinch top spot if Jordan fails to beat Algeria later on Monday.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Kylian Mbappé, who is four goals behind Messi on the all-time scoring list, is set to play his 100th game for France against Iraq in Philadelphia. The 27-year-old, tied with Gerd Mueller on 14 goals, expressed his excitement for this