ARLINGTON, JOURNALARTA.COM – Lionel Messi erased his missed penalty in brutal fashion. Argentina’s captain scored twice to beat Austria 2-0 in Group J of the 2026 World Cup, while breaking the all-time tournament goal record.
The match was played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on early Tuesday WIB, June 23, 2026. The result secured Argentina top spot in Group J with a perfect six points from two matches and sent them through to the round of 32 ahead of schedule.
Messi, 39, opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a precise curling strike into Austria’s lower-left corner. That alone was enough to close out the first half. But he was not done. In the 90+5th minute, he finished Austria off with his second goal, and with that, Messi’s name was written into the record books as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
A Missed Penalty, Then Two Comebacks
The 8th minute brought the tensest moment for Argentina supporters. The referee awarded a penalty after a foul inside Austria’s box. Messi stepped up as the taker. His effort went wide. Missed.
Argentina did not panic. They kept pressing, working tight short combinations, until Messi found a gap in the 38th minute. One touch, one shot. Austria could do nothing.
In the second half, Austria tried to respond. Marcel Sabitzer and Michael Gregoritsch raised the attacking tempo. It did not work. Argentina’s back line, led by Nicolas Otamendi, stayed disciplined and nearly flawless. Austria managed just one shot on target from six total attempts.
Argentina finished with clear statistical control: 12 shots to Austria’s six, and 54 percent possession in the first half.
Group J Standings After the Match
| Team | Played | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 2 | 6 | Qualified for Round of 32 |
| Austria | 2 | 3 | Awaiting MD3 |
| Jordan | 1 | 0 | vs Algeria |
| Algeria | 1 | 0 | vs Jordan |
Austria still has a chance to advance if it beats Algeria in the final matchday on June 27. Argentina, meanwhile, will face Jordan in the group finale, a match that is mathematically no longer decisive for their fate.
A Long-Awaited Record
Those two goals were more than just numbers on the scoreboard. Messi is now officially the top scorer in World Cup history, a record long guarded by earlier generations.
This is his third World Cup after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022. He is already 39. But the way he played that night, chasing loose balls, demanding position, and finishing chances with that left foot that has so often left goalkeepers helpless, gave no impression of a player nearing the end.
AT&T Stadium, with a capacity of more than 70,000 spectators, witnessed the historic moment firsthand. Most of the stands were in Argentina’s blue and white.
Argentina’s coach had not issued an official statement after the match when this report was filed. But the numbers told the story: six points, no goals conceded, and Messi still proving he is not finished.
Quick FAQ
What was the final score of Argentina vs Austria? Argentina won 2-0, with two Messi goals in the 38th and 90+5th minutes.
Who was the Man of the Match? Lionel Messi, with two goals and the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Did Messi score the penalty? No. He missed in the 8th minute, then made up for it with two goals in the same match.
For live scores and schedules, analysis, predictions, games, and the latest World Cup 2026 updates, visit: JournalArta Special Event https://journalarta.com/en/sports/world-cup-2026-bracket/
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