Lionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer on Monday, scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria in Texas to fire the holders into the knockout rounds. France also advanced after surviving a two-hour weather delay to beat Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia, while Norway edged Senegal 3-2 in East Rutherford.
How many World Cup goals does Messi have?
Messi now has 18 World Cup goals after netting his 17th and 18th in Argentina's win over Austria. He surpassed Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16, which Messi had equalled with a hat-trick against Algeria last week. The record came on the eve of his 39th birthday.
How did Messi break the World Cup record against Austria?
The Argentina captain had a frustrating start, dragging a penalty wide after just eight minutes. He made amends seven minutes before half-time, coolly placing his finish beyond Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. He then added a second in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal the points and the record.
Messi admitted he had been privately furious after the penalty miss. "Today there was a moment where I was very angry about the penalty because I missed and I struck it very badly," he told reporters. "Luckily we were able to turn the situation around, take the lead and take three very important points."
Argentina are now guaranteed top spot in Group J after Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 in Monday's late game in Santa Clara, California.
Why was France vs Iraq delayed at the 2026 World Cup?
France's match against Iraq in Philadelphia was suspended for around two hours at half-time due to a severe thunderstorm. Public safety regulations in the United States require play to be halted whenever lightning is recorded near a stadium. The delay pushed the final whistle back to approximately 8.00pm local time.
Kylian Mbappe, making his 100th appearance for France, had given his side the lead after 14 minutes with a fierce long-range strike past Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. A heavy thunderstorm arrived as the half progressed, forcing the 68,324 fans at Lincoln Financial Field to take shelter in the stadium concourses at half-time.
When play resumed, Mbappe grabbed his second of the match and his 16th career World Cup goal. Ousmane Dembele added a third in the 66th minute to complete a comfortable, if interrupted, victory.
France coach Didier Deschamps was measured about the disruption. "It's a matter of security, I don't blame anyone," he said. "As soon as there is a risk, we adapt to local laws. These are unusual circumstances, and I hope it won't happen again."
How did Haaland and Norway perform on Monday?
With Messi and Mbappe dominating the headlines, Norway striker Erling Haaland ensured he was not overlooked. The Manchester City forward scored twice in a 3-2 win over Senegal in East Rutherford, taking his tournament tally to four goals. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen also scored for Norway, while Ismaila Sarr netted twice for Senegal.
The result sets up a decisive final Group I game between France and Norway on Friday, with the winner guaranteed to top the group.
