World Cup Daily: Messi scores for Argentina; Austria and Algeria qualify

World Cup Daily: Messi scores for Argentina; Austria and Algeria qualify

Lionel Messi has established himself as the all-time leading goalscorer in men's World Cup history after Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in Arlington, Texas. Despite a rare early failure from the penalty spot, the 38-year-old netted twice to reach 18 career World Cup goals, surpassing the previous record of 16 held by Germany's Miroslav Klose.

The historic milestone occurred at the AT&T Stadium, where Messi scored his 17th goal with a first-time finish from the edge of the box after Thiago Almada dummied Facundo Medina's low cross. Messi later added an 18th in the 95th minute, scrambling the ball home after an initial shot was blocked. These goals follow a hat-trick in Argentina's opening match against Algeria, meaning Messi has scored five times in two games this tournament.

The victory ensures the defending champions advance to the knockout stages with a game to spare. They are scheduled to face Cape Verde in the round of 32.

Drama in Kansas City

While Argentina cruised, the final two spots in the knockout rounds were decided in a high-scoring 3-3 draw between Austria and Algeria in Kansas City. The result allowed both nations to progress to the next stage.

Austria opened the scoring through Marko Arnautovic, whose goal extended his national record to 49. Algeria responded with an equalizer from Rafik Belghali before halftime. In the second half, Marcel Sabitzer put Austria ahead again, but the match ended in a stalemate after a late stoppage-time goal from Riyad Mahrez was quickly answered by an equalizer from Saša Kalajdžić.

England Advances; Scotland Exit

England have won Group L and advanced to the round of 32 by defeating Panama 2-0 in New Jersey. Following a goalless first half, Jude Bellingham scored from close range after a corner kick and subsequently provided the assist for Harry Kane to head in the second goal.

England finished the group stage with seven points, including a 4-2 win over Croatia and a 0-0 draw with Ghana. They are set to face DR Congo in the round of 32 after the African side beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Miami, a match highlighted by the performance of Yoane Wissa.

In contrast, Scotland's tournament ended following a 2-1 victory for Croatia over Ghana. Despite a historic win against Haiti, Scotland's hopes were damaged by a 3-0 loss to Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil and a defeat to Morocco. Following the exit, Scotland manager Steve Clarke has resigned from his position.

Fallout and Mixed Fortunes

The tournament's high stakes have led to unconventional disciplinary measures for some. Uruguay, who were eliminated after a 1-0 loss to Spain on Friday, June 26, 2026, were originally scheduled to return home via private jet. However, the AUF (Uruguay's football federation) instructed players, including Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez, to travel on commercial flights as an apology for their poor performance.

Elsewhere, Bosnia & Herzegovina reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history after a 3-1 win over Qatar. The result drew an emotional reaction from FOX pundit Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to his father's roots. Bosnia & Herzegovina are scheduled to face co-hosts United States next Wednesday in San Francisco.

The qualification of the Balkan nation sparked a controversy involving ABC Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez, who issued an apology after filming a segment where she claimed she did not know the first thing about the country.

Other group results included a goalless draw between Colombia and Portugal.