Lionel Messi rewrote the record books on June 22, 2026, scoring his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals to become the tournament's all-time leading marksman as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Group J, according to FIFA, AP News and Sky Sports match reports.
Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute and sealed the win deep into stoppage time, capping a defining day across four group-stage fixtures that reshaped the standings.
Messi Makes History in Argentina's Win
The Argentina captain's brace lifted him clear at the top of the World Cup's all-time scoring chart, per FIFA and Guardian reports. His first-half strike settled an otherwise tense affair against Austria before his late goal underlined the milestone, sending Argentina supporters into raptures in Group J.
France Cruise Through Storm Delay
In Group I, France brushed aside Iraq 3-0 in a match that was halted for roughly two hours at halftime due to thunderstorms, according to Fox Sports and AP News. Kylian Mbappé led the charge with two goals, while Ousmane Dembélé added the third in a comprehensive display once play resumed.
The weather disruption did little to slow Les Bleus, who controlled proceedings either side of the lengthy break and moved into a commanding position in their group.
Haaland Fires Norway Through, Algeria Stun Jordan
Erling Haaland's brace powered Norway to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal, securing their advancement to the Round of 32, according to Sky Sports and FIFA match reports. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen also found the net for Norway, while Ismaïla Sarr struck twice for Senegal in a thrilling end-to-end contest that stayed in the balance until the final whistle.
Haaland's clinical finishing proved the difference as Norway edged a five-goal classic to book their place in the knockout rounds.
The day's final result delivered heartbreak for tournament debutants Jordan, who were beaten 2-1 by Algeria in Group J, per Guardian and AP News reports. Nizar Al-Rashdan gave Jordan the lead, but Algeria responded with two second-half goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri to complete the comeback and eliminate the debutants.
Algeria's fightback capped a compelling June 22 program that featured a record-breaking milestone, a weather-interrupted rout, a knockout-clinching thriller and a stirring comeback. With the group stage approaching its decisive phase, the standings have shifted significantly, and several nations now find themselves on the brink of the Round of 32 while others face elimination.
Messi's achievement headlines a day that will be remembered for its blend of history and drama, as the world's biggest sporting event continues to deliver across multiple venues, according to FIFA, AP News, Fox Sports, Sky Sports and Guardian coverage.
Sources: fifa, apnews, foxsports, skysports, guardian