‘El Messías’ Makes World Cup History as 2026 Argentina Defeats Austria 2-0
AT&T Stadium, often nicknamed “Jerry’s World” for the great Jerry Jones, was turned into Lionel Messi’s world on Monday as history was made. After missing a penalty kick wide to the right, the first penalty kick of his that was missed instead of saved in his World Cup career, Messi broke the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history on a beautiful cutback maneuver. It wasn’t just the team’s captain that was phenomenal in this one, as the entire Argentinian defense front dominated Austria and kept a clean sheet in a decisive 2-0 victory. The other goal was scored just before full time, on another beautiful play by the nearly 39-year-old. Right after that, he was close to his third on a free kick that was a foot away from going in. On a day that was already one of the most historic afternoons in football history, ‘El Messías’ could’ve had four goals. With just one game left for Group J, here are a few budding storylines to keep an eye out for.
Messi’s Record: Was There Ever Any Doubt?
In the beautiful game of soccer, perhaps more than any other sport, the objective of scoring can feel unattainable, even impossible at times. For reference, there have already been three 0-0 draws in this year’s World Cup, and we haven't even made it to the Round of 32 yet. It was obviously never a question of whether Messi was going to break the record, just when, in another reality, the 70,000 fans in attendance for Monday’s game left unsatisfied that they weren’t the lucky ones to watch the greatest player of all time make history. In this reality, however, ‘El Messías’ did it suddenly and in volume. All eyes will now be on what happens next. Kylian Mbappé is only a handful of goals behind, and if the scoring slows down for Argentina, then the world may have to revisit the record at the end of the tournament. For now, this new height in the legendary career of the pride of Rosario now propels him into a debate larger than football: Is the nearly 39-year-old now the greatest athlete in world history?
Which Group Stage Darling Should Receive More Favoritism: Argentina or the U.S.?
It’s sort of crazy to say that Argentina’s phenomenal group-stage performance has catapulted them into being the favorites to win in North America and repeat as champions. Still, just six days from the knockout stage, that is where we stand. For the weeks leading up to the 2026 World Cup, all anybody could talk about was France and Spain. The French have still maintained their status, but after a semi-shaky start from the Spanish, look out for those same folks to start saying they thought Argentina was going to repeat all tournament long. However, another group stage darling might have something to say about being a favorite. Following a brilliant 4-0 win over Paraguay, Team USA dominated Australia 2-0 and will look to win all three group stage games for the first time in club history. It’s nothing short of insanity to put America on the same tier as Argentina, but heading into the Round of 32, that will be on the minds of both fans and commentators.
