AT&T Stadium in Arlington witnessed a moment of pure footballing history on Monday. By scoring both goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria, Lionel Messi brought his World Cup tally to 18 goals, standing alone at the top of the all-time scoring charts after drawing level with Germany's Miroslav Klose with a hat-trick against Algeria six days ago. Two days before his 39th birthday, the legend keeps growing.
The match almost started on the wrong note. Messi stepped up to take a penalty awarded via VAR in the 9th minute and sent his effort over the bar. The miss barely registered. At the 38th minute, he slid a left-footed finish through a low cross from Facundo Medina to open the scoring. Deep in added time, after a controlled but unspectacular second half, he collected the ball on the counter, held off the defenders and curled a composed left-footed strike into the net at the 95th minute to seal the win.
With six points from two games, Argentina top Group J and have secured their place in the round of 16. Austria, sitting on three points, must beat Algeria in their final group game to stay in the tournament. Scaloni's side will face that same Algeria knowing a win could lock up first place in the group and shape their path through the knockout stages.
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