Lionel Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champ Argentina moves on

ARLINGTON, Texas — Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.

Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty kick.

Almost 30 minutes later, Messi caught Alexander Schlager leaning the wrong way after Thiago Almada let Facuno Medina's pass go by him directly onto Messi's left foot. “There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said.

In the waning seconds of injury time, Messi extended his record by sending a shot through several defenders after Schlager turned away his first attempt.

He entered the game even with Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals over four World Cups from 2002-14. “Beyond anything I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said. “It was huge, tough and difficult.

It would allow us to be relaxed to what’s ahead.

All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense.

I’m enjoying this mom