Lionel Messi 9/10: Ratings of Argentina vs Austria after La Pulga surpasses Klose's record
In hot Dallas, Lionel Messi produced a historic performance — two goals including the opener that helped surpass Miroslav Klose's record — as Argentina sealed their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dallas was the hot and historic stage on a tense afternoon at the FIFA World Cup 2026. After an early mistake inside the first 10 minutes — with Alexander Schlager saving Lionel Messi's penalty — the maestro soon produced a convincing display.
Messi received an elegant pass from Facundo Medina and finished coolly for the opening goal, in the process surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous World Cup scoring record. The number the report cited was thirteen and up—confirming the new mark that took him into uncharted territory.
Austria pressed throughout the game, especially with Marcel Sabitzer's initiatives, but the latter lacked enough to truly shock the world champions. Eventually, a mess inside the box allowed Messi to finish the game with a second goal in stoppage time and seal the 2-0 win.
The clean sheet served as testament to a controlled night from the back. Emiliano Martínez showed his usual confidence inside the area — collecting crosses and keeping Austria's threat at bay without having to make too many superheroic saves.
Nahuel Molina returned to the starting line-up and delivered a solid performance on the right flank; effective in defense even if the final delivery is occasionally lacking. Cristian Romero showed solid camouflage, holding off several counters from Austria, while Lisandro's central defense and others helped neutralize the danger.
In the middle, the working midfielders worked hard: there were moments of aggression and there were times when the passes lacked finesse, but it was enough to control the tempo. Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul provided the necessary composition and energy in possession.
Up front, Lautaro Martínez struggled to get clear-cut chances and was substituted when many risks were not spelled out for Austria. Julián Álvarez and the substitutes contributed experience and energy to maintain the advantage late in the game. There was a substitute player who got an unprovoked yellow card in stoppage time in a brief cameo.
All in all, a professional and controlled performance from Argentina: silenced a fine but unprovoked opponent, secured a place in the knockout stages and wrote a new page in World Cup history through Lionel Messi.
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