Messi scores twice and overtakes Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history

Lionel Messi made history this Monday in Arlington, Texas. With two goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, the number 10 reached 18 goals at World Cups and left behind Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who held the record with 16. La Albiceleste are into the round of 16.

The record no one can hold off anymore

The first goal came in the 38th minute of the first half. Messi received it at the edge of the box, set himself and placed it into the corner with surgical precision, overtaking Klose with his 17th World Cup goal. Just like that. The Argentine had wasted a chance to break the record as early as the 8th minute, when he sent a penalty wide – a detail that could have weighed on him, but did not.

The second arrived in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Messi received it in the middle of the box, between defenders, and tapped it into the back of the net to seal the score and take his tally to 18 goals. In all, he has five goals at the tournament: the star had scored a hat-trick in the opener against Algeria last week.

“I am very happy with the win. It was very important, difficult, and it gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead,” Messi said after the final whistle.

Argentina through, eyeing first place

With the six points earned in two games, Argentina are already guaranteed a spot in the round of 16. Lionel Scaloni’s side could still finish top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday. The shirt of the reigning champions carries weight, and the squad from Buenos Aires shows it on the pitch.

In the chase for the record, the closest to Messi now is Kylian Mbappé, with 14 goals – the same total as Gerd Müller, the West Germany legend. The Frenchman is four behind the Argentine and takes the field against Iraq looking to close the historic gap. But at this pace, catching Messi looks like an increasingly improbable task.