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Lionel Messi made World Cup history by surpassing Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their Group J encounter.

The 38-year-old had drawn level with Klose’s tally of 16 goals following his hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening game of the tournament. Heading into this match in Dallas, Messi needed just one more to become the outright top scorer in World Cup history.

He had an early opportunity to do so when Argentina were awarded a penalty inside the first 10 minutes. Lautaro Martinez was brought down in the box by Austria’s Stefan Posch and goalkeeper Alex Schlager, prompting a lengthy VAR review. However, Messi’s spot-kick went wide, leaving the record intact for the time being.

Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer saw a free-kick easily cleared, but his side were soon under pressure again as they scrambled to keep Messi from finding the net. The European side gradually settled into the match, with Sabitzer having a shot blocked, but Argentina regained control after the hydration break. Messi’s clever pass was cut out by Schlager, and the rebound effort from Martinez was blocked by captain David Alaba.

In the 38th minute, Messi finally etched his name into the record books. Drifting into the centre of the box, he latched onto Facundo Medina’s pass and calmly slotted his shot into the bottom corner past Schlager to make it 1-0 and claim his 17th World Cup goal.

At the start of the second half, Messi attempted to extend the lead with a chipped free-kick that was cleared, while at the other end, Emiliano Martinez produced an excellent save to deny Sabitzer’s free-kick. Argentina continued to dominate possession, and a well-worked move ended with Enzo Fernandez seeing his shot blocked by Kevin Danso. Moments later, Messi appeared to have forced a fine save from Schlager, but the referee awarded a goal-kick instead.

Austria threatened through Sabitzer once more, his cross finding Michael Gregoritsch, who could only send his header over the bar. Argentina nearly doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Nico Gonzalez glanced a header just wide from Messi’s corner delivery.

In the closing stages, Danso made a crucial block from Gonzalez, and Fernandez’s powerful effort ricocheted off the defence before Austria countered and Patrick Wimmer headed wide with a good chance to equalise. Argentina, however, sealed the win deep into stoppage time. Julian Alvarez’s shot was parried by Schlager, and the rebound fell kindly for Messi, who smashed home his second of the night — his fifth goal of the tournament — to wrap up a historic evening.

With this victory, Argentina secured back-to-back wins and booked their place in the knockout rounds ahead of their final group match against Jordan early on Sunday morning.