Argentina 2 – 0 Austria

Lionel Messi broke the World Cup goalscoring record as Argentina booked their place in the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Austria in Dallas.

Messi missed an early penalty after VAR intervened to foul Lautaro Martinez but the 38-year-old Argentina captain was not to be denied for long, scoring with a trademark finish from Facundo Medina’s low cross in the first half.

Messi’s first goal at the World Cup made it 17 – moving him clear of Miroslav Klose as the top scorer in the tournament’s history. He added a second in stoppage-time in just two of the Group J matches following his hat-trick against Algeria.

Austria, who beat Jordan in their opening match, can struggle if they lack a little quality in the final third and will still fancy their chances of improvement. But the holders top Group J and are top of the table to defend the trophy.

Moments in Dallas…

9 – Penalty missed! Messi sends his penalty wide of the post

20 – Messi crosses but is too late to take the shot and the chance is gone

23 – Romero blocks Sabitzer’s effort as Austria threaten

31 – Messi’s shot is blocked by Danso after flicking it towards Martinez

38 – Goal! Medina’s cross sends Messi low into the net

57 – Romero suffers a knee injury and is replaced by Otamendi

90+6: Goal! Messi put the ball in at the second attempt

Messi expressed anger at the penalty

Lionel Messi Speaking after Argentina’s 2-0 win:

“Above everything, I’m very happy for the win. It was huge, tough and difficult. It allows us to relax for what’s ahead. All the matches in this World Cup are very equal, very intense.

“I’m enjoying this moment and looking forward to enjoying it with my teammates. There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make it up.”

Analysis: Messi’s show is on

Four of Messi’s 18 goals at the World Cup have come from penalties, but the way the record-breaking effort went might have been more fitting. A late run into the box is picked up by a smart pull-back and sent low into the near corner. Vintage Messy.

He is a different player now. But no less remarkable. In fact, with less speed and almost 39 years of age, it’s even more unlikely that he’s capable of doing what he does. He became the first man to score a half-century in six consecutive World Cup matches.

Much has been made of how this team is built to serve him. But the strategy is working. The policy is proving less successful for Portugal, although Spain may look to Lamine Yamal more than they do. Argentina has found the sweet spot.

It wasn’t even Messi’s best performance in this World Cup but he still managed to score five goals. And it was a test. A rare appearance for him of late against European opposition – also a physical, pressing game against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria.

It was awkward at times for Messi and Argentina. He was missing the place he was given against Algeria. Sometimes he had five Austrian players around him as soon as he got the ball. But that meant there was room elsewhere. He found it.

A first-time pass here, a wriggle free there. It won the penalty and opened the pitch for the miss, and the first goal that he scored. Argentina has passed the test. Messi made history. Eighteen goals now but how much more to come before the curtain goes down?

A place in the knockout stages is already booked, although it will be a blow if Messi is not given the chance to add to his tally against Jordan. Who has everything, what do you get? Maybe the Golden Boot? Messi’s show goes on.

What does the result mean?

If Argentina top Group J, they will face Group H runners-up – currently Uruguay – in the last-32.

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