Breaking records and scoring goals have become second nature to Lionel Messi, and the Argentine superstar is once again doing both on the biggest stage in football during his sixth World Cup campaign.

The Argentina captain now stands alone as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer after another memorable display that featured both disappointment and triumph. After missing an early penalty, Messi responded in typical fashion by scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Messi increased his World Cup goal tally to 18. Just six days earlier, his first World Cup hat trick had allowed him to equal the previous record of 16 goals held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose.

“More than anything, I’m happy because we won,” Messi said after the match. “It was a huge victory, a very difficult and demanding game. This result allows us to approach what’s ahead with more confidence. Every game in this World Cup is competitive and intense. I’m enjoying this moment and sharing it with my teammates.”

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Messi’s first goal arrived in the 38th minute, just two days before his 39th birthday and during a period in which he has been dealing with concerns over his father’s health back in Argentina. The strike extended his remarkable streak to six consecutive World Cup matches with a goal, making him only the third player to achieve that feat after France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil legend Jairzinho.

The milestone came roughly half an hour after Messi squandered a golden opportunity to break the record earlier. Awarded a penalty in the ninth minute, he sent his left-footed effort narrowly wide of the right post.

“There were moments when I was very frustrated after missing the penalty,” Messi admitted. “But fortunately I was able to recover and help the team.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has now guided Argentina into the knockout rounds after victories in their opening two group matches. He was also responsible for all three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 triumph over Algeria in Kansas City.

Messi’s second goal of the evening came deep into stoppage time. After goalkeeper Alexander Schlager denied an initial effort, the Argentine captain reacted quickest and fired the rebound through a crowded penalty area to seal the result.

“I knew it was never going to be easy,” Messi said. “The way teams are playing in this World Cup shows how balanced everything is. Nobody gives anything away.” His record-breaking 17th World Cup goal had come earlier in the first half. Thiago Almada cleverly allowed Facundo Medina’s pass to run through to Messi, who took advantage of Schlager’s positioning before finishing calmly with his left foot from around 20 yards. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni struggled to find new ways to praise his captain. “I honestly have no words left for Leo,” Scaloni said through an interpreter.