Lionel Messi scored two goals in Argentina's 2-0 [1] victory over Austria on Tuesday, extending his all-time World Cup scoring record [2].

The result cements Messi's legacy as the most prolific goalscorer in the history of the tournament. With Argentina's win, France and Norway also secured victories in their respective matches, ensuring all three teams advance to the knockout stage [1].

Messi reached a new historic milestone by scoring his 17th and 18th [3] career World Cup goals during the match against Austria. These goals not only secured the win for his national team but also pushed his personal tally beyond any previous record held in the competition [3].

The victory over Austria was a decisive 2-0 [1] performance. This result allows Argentina to enter the next phase of the tournament with significant momentum, anchored by the scoring form of their captain.

Parallel to Argentina's success, France and Norway also won their matches on June 23, 2026 [2]. The wins guarantee that these three powerhouse nations will compete in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].

Kylian Mbappé of France and Erling Haaland of Norway remain central figures for their nations as they progress. While Messi captured the headlines with his record-breaking performance, the advancement of France and Norway suggests a highly competitive bracket for the remaining stages of the tournament [2].

Argentina's progression is now official, marking another deep run for the squad in the global competition. The team's ability to deliver in high-stakes group matches continues to be a defining characteristic of their campaign [1].

“Messi scored his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals during the match against Austria.”

Messi's achievement of 18 goals creates a significant statistical gap between him and other historic strikers, potentially establishing a record that will stand for decades. The simultaneous advancement of Argentina, France, and Norway sets the stage for high-profile clashes in the knockout rounds, as three of the world's most dangerous offensive players—Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland—remain active in the competition.