The race for the Golden Boot: Lionel Messi pulls clear with 5 goals in 2 matches

22.06.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

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Austria

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Lionel Messi inspired the Argentine national team on Monday night firing them into the World Cup knockouts with an incredible performance.

The legendary playmaker turned back the clock during second matchday of the group stage scoring twice to break down a stubborn Austrian defense. This clinical brace follows his spectacular opening-day hat-trick against Algeria taking his current tournament tally to an impressive five goals in just two matches.

The victory comfortably books a spot for the reigning world champions in the Round of 32 with one group game left to play.

Surpassing legends to claim the ultimate crown

With his second strike of the evening, the veteran forward achieved ultimate football immortality. Messi has now officially become the outright all-time top scorer in World Cup history reaching 18 total goals across his five tournament appearances.

This historic milestone moves him clear of Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the global record with 16 goals.

Cruising ahead in the Golden Boot race

The current goal scoring charts show the maestro opening up a significant cushion over the rest of the world.

Germany's Deniz Undav and Canada's Jonathan David are his closest challengers sitting in second place with three goals each. A heavily competitive chasing pack including Brazil's Vinicius Junior and the Dutch duo of Cody Gakpo and Cody Sommerville, remain stuck on two goals.

Emulating the iconic starts of tournament history

Messi’s explosive start in North America mirrors the legendary form of France's Just Fontaine during the 1958 World Cup. Fontaine similarly took the tournament by storm netting five goal in his opening two fixtures against Paraguay and Yugoslavia before finishing with an unmatched 13 goal.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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