Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday, securing their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami star also became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16.
Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute from a Thiago Almada cutback, then added a second in stoppage time after a goalmouth scramble. The brace came after he missed a penalty in the ninth minute, dragging his shot wide of the goal.
France vs Iraq Suspended Due to Lightning
France's Group I match against Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia was suspended at half-time due to extreme weather. Lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium forced a two-hour delay, with fans told to seek shelter.
When play resumed, Kylian Mbappe scored a brace as Didier Deschamps' side won 3-0. Ousmane Dembele also scored in the second half. Notably, FIFA decided not to schedule a hydration break for the second period, despite such breaks being planned for every match this summer. The decision drew criticism from fans, staff, and players, who have complained about the interruptions throughout the tournament.
FIFA's Hydration Break Policy Under Fire
England manager Thomas Tuchel became the latest high-profile figure to criticise the hydration breaks. "I think that it interrupts and changes the identity of a football match much more than I thought," Tuchel said ahead of England's clash with Ghana. "It breaks the match almost in four quarters and it changes the characteristic of the match more than I thought. I like football when it is played in one go, in one half."
Tuchel acknowledged the fairness aspect but argued the breaks detract from the game's natural flow. His comments follow widespread backlash from fans and pundits, with ITV referee analyst Christina Unkel named the most disliked pundit in a study by British Gambler.
Messi Reflects on Record and Team Performance
After the match, Messi admitted the blockbuster start had taken its toll. "I'm tired and I'm running on fumes," he said. "It's been spectacular how it has all unfolded. I had the penalty, which could have increased my tally or not. But perhaps the others wouldn't have come, you never know. I'm happy with the team."
Argentina's win means they top Group J with six points, while Austria face Algeria in a crucial clash for second place. Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, is joint top of the Golden Boot race with three goals alongside Germany's Deniz Undav and Canada's Jonathan David.
Other World Cup Developments
In other matches, Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1, keeping their knockout hopes alive. Amine Gouri scored the winner from a corner in the 86th minute. Norway secured their place in the knockout stages with a 3-2 victory over Senegal, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.
Meanwhile, England are preparing to face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel praised Declan Rice as "one of the very best midfielders in the world" and confirmed Bukayo Saka trained fully after managing an Achilles issue. The Three Lions need a win to guarantee progression to the round of 32.
