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Jun 22, 2026 Major1
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Messi breaks World Cup goalscoring record with brace against Austria amid personal challenges
Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria to become the all-time World Cup goalscoring leader with 17 goals, achieving the historic record while managing personal difficulties surrounding his father Jorge's undisclosed health situation.





Quick Facts
Who
Lionel Messi
What
Messi scored two goals against Austria
When
22 June 2026
Where
Austria
- Messi scored two goals against Austria
- Messi became all-time World Cup goalscoring leader
- Messi previously scored hat-trick entering shared record
- Messi missed penalty in first half
- Messi's goal was cleared off goalline in first half
Lionel Messi achieved a historic milestone on 22 June 2026, scoring twice against Austria to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. The 38-year-old Argentine forward, who had recently scored his first World Cup hat-trick to enter shared ownership of the tournament goalscoring record, now stands alone atop the mountain with 17 goals across World Cup tournaments.
The match proved emotionally complex for Messi, who is currently navigating significant off-field difficulties. His camp announced last week that his father Jorge, who served as his first coach, confidant, and agent throughout his career, is "going through a health situation." The vague statement prompted widespread speculation in Argentina, including a false death report by a television journalist who subsequently resigned. These personal circumstances appeared to weigh on Messi during the first half, during which he missed a penalty and had a goal-line clearance denied, spending stretches of the opening period drifting in and out of play.
Messi's breakthrough came in the 38th minute when he exploited space outside the box following a perfectly executed dummy by teammate Thiago Almada, firing in a precise finish. His second goal arrived in the 92nd minute—deep into second-half stoppage time—when he converted a rebound after Julián Alvarez's weak effort, demonstrating the persistence that has defined his late-career play as he increasingly functions as a provider for teammates.
Throughout the match, Messi received the characteristic protection afforded to Argentina's national treasure, both from referees and teammates who shield him with universal respect. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has stated publicly he would "die in goal" for his captain, while midfielder Rodrigo De Paul transferred to Inter Miami specifically to play alongside Messi in his final years. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has provided notable emotional support, breaking down in tears during group-stage matches and defending his captain at recent press conferences.
Why This Matters
Messi's record-breaking performance, achieved under personal duress, cements his legacy and adds dramatic narrative to Argentina's World Cup campaign, influencing fan engagement and sports media coverage.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 15, 2026
WireMessi scores hat-trick in World Cup match, entering shared record for all-time tournament goalscoring
Jun 15, 2026
WireMessi's camp announces father Jorge is in health situation
Jun 16, 2026
WireTelevision reporter resigns after falsely reporting Jorge Messi's death
Jun 21, 2026
WireLionel Scaloni breaks down in tears at pre-match press conference
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi misses penalty against Austria in first half
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi's goal attempt cleared off goalline by Austria defenders
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi scores first goal after dummy by Thiago Almada