Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Group J in Dallas, confirming the defending champions’ place in the World Cup last 32. Messi opens the scoring in the 38th minute and adds a second in the 95th to secure Argentina’s second win in the group stage. The goals take him past the previous World Cup all-time scoring record, making him the tournament’s leading scorer. With the result, Argentina advance to the knockout phase alongside other qualifiers from the group, while Austria’s campaign does not secure qualification. Multiple outlets report that Messi reaches a total of 18 World Cup goals following the win. The match is presented as a record-setting performance, with Argentina converting scoring chances and maintaining control to finish with a clean sheet. The result places Argentina firmly into the last 32 as the group stage concludes for teams in Group J.