- By Samannay Sen
- Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:57 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe once again dominated the FIFA World Cup 2026 headlines as the two superstars continued their race for history, goals and perhaps the Adidas Golden Boot.
While Messi became the outright all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history during Argentina's victory over Austria, Mbappe responded hours later with another brace as France booked their place in the Round of 32 with a commanding win over Iraq. FIFA World Cup 2026 is a season of records.
Every World Cup seems to produce a Lionel Messi moment. Dallas witnessed another on Monday. The Argentina captain etched his name even deeper into football folklore by scoring twice against Austria and becoming the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history as the defending champions secured qualification from Group J.
Argentina Edge Austria
Messi entered the match level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose after his hat-trick against Algeria. Despite missing an early penalty and facing a stubborn Austrian defence led by David Alaba, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner eventually found his breakthrough.
The opener arrived seven minutes before half-time when Thiago Almada's clever dummy allowed Facundo Medina's pass to run through to Messi, who calmly swept a first-time finish into the bottom corner for his 17th World Cup goal.
Austria remained competitive throughout and nearly found a response through Marcel Sabitzer on his 100th international appearance. However, the reigning champions once again relied on their talisman to settle matters.
Deep into stoppage time, Messi followed up Julian Alvarez's effort to score his second of the afternoon and 18th World Cup goal, sealing a 2-0 victory and sending Lionel Scaloni's side into the knockout rounds.
The result leaves Argentina National Football Team top of Group J with six points from two matches and extends Messi's remarkable streak of deciding major World Cup contests.
Lionel Messi's Night of Records
Messi's brace saw him eclipse Miroslav Klose's long-standing record of 16 FIFA World Cup goals and move to 18 overall.
The Argentina captain also joined Just Fontaine and Jairzinho as only the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
With five goals already at FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi now sits atop the Golden Boot standings, although a familiar rival is rapidly closing the gap.
"I'm really happy about the win, especially as it's such a crucial victory, hard-fought and well-earned. This is the World Cup; it was a very evenly matched and intense match, and we're happy to have already qualified," said Lionel Messi.
Argentina forward Julian Alvarez praised his captain and stated, "There isn't much to say – we can all see that he is the best in the world."
Argentina vs Austria Match Report
Argentina vs Austria Match Result: Argentina 2-0 Austria
Goalscorers: Messi (38’, 90+5’)
Mbappe Takes France to the Round of 32
If Messi laid down the challenge in Dallas, Kylian Mbappe answered emphatically in Philadelphia.
The France captain celebrated his 100th international appearance with a superb brace as Les Bleus cruised past Iraq and became one of the first teams to secure a place in the Round of 32.
A thunderstorm-delayed encounter never truly threatened to derail Didier Deschamps' side, who controlled proceedings from the opening whistle.
Mbappe broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, smashing a fierce left-footed strike beyond Ahmed Basil after being picked out by Michael Olise.
His second arrived courtesy of a costly Iraqi error. A disastrous mix-up between goalkeeper Ahmed Basil and defender Zaid Tahseen gifted possession to Ousmane Dembele, who unselfishly squared for Mbappe to finish into an empty net.
That strike carried extra significance. It was Mbappe's 16th World Cup goal, drawing him level with former record-holder Miroslav Klose and leaving him just two behind Messi's newly established mark.
Dembele then capped a brilliant evening by firing home his first-ever World Cup goal after another clever assist from the outstanding Olise.
France now sit alongside Norway on six points in Group I and head into their final group-stage encounter already assured of knockout football.
“In the second half, we were completely in control. Putting the result beyond doubt is a very good thing; we've qualified tonight," Didier Deschamps said.
Golden Boot Race Heating Up
Messi's five goals place him at the summit of the FIFA World Cup 2026 scoring charts, but Mbappe is now breathing down his neck with four goals from two matches.
The French superstar has scored two or more goals in six separate World Cup matches, more than any player in tournament history, and remains firmly on course to challenge both Messi's Golden Boot lead and his newly established scoring record.
Lucas Digne was happy for his side as he said, "It's another step forward for us. We know what we came here for; we'll keep working match by match and keep improving."
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France vs Iraq Match Report
France vs Iraq Match Result: France 3-0 Iraq
Goalscorers: Mbappe (14’, 54’), Dembele (66’)
With both Argentina and France safely through to the knockout rounds, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is rapidly becoming a battle between two generations of greatness.
Messi continues rewriting history at 38, while Mbappe keeps chasing every record within reach. The race for the Golden Boot is only getting started, and we have these prolific goal scorers donning their jerseys.