Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach the knockouts

Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into World Cup history as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington to clinch a place in the knockout rounds. In front of 70,649 fans, the captain became the outright all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history.

From penalty miss to record breaker

The night did not start smoothly for Messi, who saw a penalty saved in the 7th minute. He made amends in the 38th minute to put Argentina ahead, drawing first blood with his 17th World Cup goal, and then sealed the win deep in stoppage time with a strike on 90+5 for his 18th, moving clear of Germany's Miroslav Klose.

Holders march on

The victory confirmed Argentina's progression to the round of 32 with a game to spare, sitting top of Group J on six points. Austria, beaten despite a disciplined display, were left needing a result against Algeria on the final matchday to keep their own hopes alive.

For Lionel Scaloni's side, the win continued a flawless group campaign and reinforced their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy on home-continent soil.