Argentina, with their win over Austria, now top Group H of the World Cup with six points.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Lionel Messi netted a brace at the Dallas Stadium on Monday night as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their second Group H fixture of this year’s World Cup.
The Inter Miami forward had earlier missed the chance to open the scoring after rolling a first-half penalty wide.
He, however, put the South Americans in front in the 38th minute after finishing off a flowing team move.
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The goal saw the Argentine captain become the highest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup with 17 strikes.
Messi wrapped up the victory for Lionel Scaloni’s men on the counter-attack in added time, as Austria pushed in vain for an equaliser.
Their victory means the defending champions, Argentina, have now qualified for the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.
