Lionel Messi has become the outright all-time leading scorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday, a result that secured their place in the Round of 32.

The defending champions booked qualification from Group J with two wins from two matches, with Messi’s brace taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16.

Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a low finish after earlier missing a penalty, before adding a second goal deep into stoppage time to seal victory for Argentina.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 39 on Wednesday, had initially spurned a penalty early in the match but recovered to deliver another decisive performance on the global stage.

His two goals also took him to five in the tournament, following a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening win over Algeria.

Argentina now sit comfortably in qualification and could secure top spot in Group J depending on other results.

“I’m very happy with the victory,” Messi said. “It was hugely important, tough, and hard-fought, and it gives us peace of mind for what’s ahead.”

Messi now leads the all-time World Cup scoring chart with 18 goals, ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Miroslav Klose (16 each), Ronaldo Nazário (15), Gerd Müller (14), and Just Fontaine (13).

France forward Mbappé, who also has 16 World Cup goals, recently marked his 100th international appearance with a brace against Iraq as he continues to close in on the record.

Elsewhere, France and Norway are set to meet in their final group fixture, with both teams already securing qualification to the knockout stage.