Lionel Messi delivered another historic performance as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria and booked a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
The Argentine captain scored twice to become the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing former German striker Miroslav Klose.
Messi entered the match level with Klose on 16 World Cup goals before setting a new record in Arlington, Texas.
The football icon opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a composed finish beyond Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
He added a second goal deep into stoppage time to extend his World Cup tally to 18 goals.
The achievement came after an early setback when Messi missed a penalty in the opening minutes of the encounter.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner dragged his spot kick wide, missing the opportunity to break the record early.
However, he recovered brilliantly and guided Argentina to another important victory.
The result guarantees Argentina a place in the last 32 of the competition.
Messi has now scored five goals in the tournament, having netted a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening victory over Algeria.
Speaking after the match, Messi expressed delight with both the result and the team’s performance.
“I’m very happy with the victory,” Messi said.
“It was hugely important, tough, and hard-fought, and it gives us peace of mind for what’s ahead.”
“The match was evenly balanced and intense, and we’re happy to have earned six points,” he added.
Argentina could finish top of Group J if Jordan fail to defeat Algeria.
Meanwhile, attention has also turned to Kylian Mbappe, who is chasing Messi’s scoring record.
The French forward will make his 100th appearance for France when his side faces Iraq.
Mbappe currently has 14 World Cup goals and is tied with German legend Gerd Müller.
“There is nothing bigger — 100 is a historic figure,” Mbappe said.
“To have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me.”
France are expected to secure qualification for the knockout round with victory over Iraq.
In the same group, Erling Haaland and Norway can also advance if they defeat Senegal and France beat Iraq.
Elsewhere, Germany suffered a major setback after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the tournament.
The 26-year-old sustained ligament damage in his left ankle during Germany’s victory over Ivory Coast.
In Sunday’s matches, Spain revived their campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
World Cup debutants Cape Verde continued their impressive run by earning a dramatic 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
Belgium remain without a win after being held to a goalless draw by Iran.
The Belgians finished the match with ten men and struggled to break down a disciplined Iranian defence.
Following the game, the Iranian team delivered a message promoting unity and peace.
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity,” the statement read.
“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”
In another Group G fixture, Egypt recorded the first World Cup victory in the nation’s history.
The Egyptians came from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 and move to the top of the group standings.
