Defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage after defeating Austria 2-0 in a Group J match on Monday in Arlington, Texas. With two victories from two matches, Argentina has mathematically secured its passage to the last 32.
Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cup history during the victory. The 38-year-old Argentine legend scored his 17th and 18th goals, breaking the previous record of 16 goals held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. This achievement makes him the top men's or women's World Cup scorer.
Messi secured the win with a superb double, pouncing late in the first half with a trademark left-footed finish and adding his 18th goal in stoppage time. He is now the tournament's all-time and current edition's leading goal scorer with 18 and five goals, respectively.