Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina beat Austria

Lionel Messi has now scored 18 World Cup goals

Lionel Messi moved ahead of Miroslav Klose in the all-time World Cup goalscoring list with a first half goal for Argentina against Austria. Pic: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup Group J: Argentina 2 Austria 0

It had to be Lionel Messi, it had to be on this day and perhaps it even needed to be in Dallas too. History was made in the way he knows best, a clinical left-footed flourish setting him out on his own as the World Cup’s highest goalscorer of all time. Another followed with the game’s final action and at this rate 18 may even seem a modest figure a month from now. Messi has already scored five goals in two games, all but guaranteeing that Argentina will win Group J. A first golden boot would not be the worst present for an icon who turns 39 on Wednesday.