The Argentine captain scored twice in the Group J clash in Dallas to move onto 18 World Cup goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose's long-standing record of 16. The brace also took Messi's tally at the tournament to five goals in just two matches, following his hat-trick in Argentina's opening 3-0 win over Algeria.

The historic evening did not begin smoothly for the 38-year-old. Messi had an early opportunity to break the record after Argentina were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute following a foul on Lautaro Martinez. However, the Inter Miami forward fired his effort wide, leaving the record temporarily out of reach.

Messi responded in trademark fashion. In the 38th minute, Thiago Almada cleverly allowed Facundo Medina's pull-back to run through his legs, giving Messi the chance to sweep a first-time finish into the net from inside the penalty area. The goal sparked celebrations and confirmed his place alone at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.

Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, threatened to equalise in the second half, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a fine save to deny Marcel Sabitzer's powerful free-kick on his 100th international appearance.

Messi then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. After Julian Alvarez's effort was blocked by goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, the Argentine star reacted quickest to fire home from a tight angle and seal victory.

The goals marked another milestone in an extraordinary career. Twelve of Messi's 18 World Cup goals have come after turning 35, while he also became only the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.

The victory lifts Argentina to six points and guarantees their progress to the knockout stage. They conclude their group campaign against Jordan on June 28, with Messi now aiming to extend a record that may stand for years to come.

World Cup top goalscorers

• 18 Lionel Messi (Argentina, 2006-2026)
• 16 Miroslav Klose (Germany, 2002-2014)
• 15 Ronaldo (Brazil, 1994-2006)
• 15 Kylian Mbappe (France, 2018-2026)
• 14 Gerd Muller (West Germany, 1970-1974)
• 13 Just Fontaine (France, 1958)
• 12 Pele (Brazil, 1958-1970)
• 11 Sandor Kocsis (Hungary, 1954)
• 11 Jurgen Klinsmann (West Germany and Germany, 1990-1998)
• 10 Helmut Rahn (West Germany, 1954-1958)
• 10 Gary Lineker (England, 1986-1990)
• 10 Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina, 1994-2002)
• 10 Harry Kane (England, 2018-2026)
• 10 Teofilo Cubillas (Peru, 1970-1982)
• 10 Thomas Muller (Germany, 2010-2022)
• 10 Grzegorz Lato (Poland, 1974-1982)