Lionel Messi hailed worldwide after World Cup scoring record | OneFootball

Lionel Messi scored both goals as Argentina beat Austria 2-0, becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 18. The landmark drew global acclaim and, after a 3-0 opening win over Algeria, sent Argentina straight into the last 32.

His 17th and 18th strikes on Monday moved him clear of Miroslav Klose and Kylian Mbappé, both on 16. Mbappé had also hit a double in a 3-0 win against Iraq.

In Buenos Aires, Olé ran a full-photo front page with only a small note saying no more words were needed. It labelled Messi a legend and praised the collective display, highlighting Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Enzo Fernandes and Lautaro Martinez.

In Britain, the Telegraph’s front page lead was the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his announced successor, Andy Burnham. Even so, page one still carried Messi with a photo and said he had crushed the World Cup record, describing the little magician on the biggest stage, with many Argentines present in Dallas.

La Gazzetta dello Sport declared nobody could match him and called him incredible, giving him a banner at the top of its front page. It likened the night to an early birthday before he turns 39 on Wednesday 24 June, noting his movement and Thiago Almada’s dummy for one finish.

Madrid daily Marca went with “Messi 18” and stressed the world champions are more than Leo, while suggesting Argentina were enthralled by their deity. The Athletic said Messi was the focus in Dallas and that breaking Klose’s mark strengthens his greatest-ever case, but also highlighted a missed penalty, his third in as many World Cups, which it said leaves him with the most in the competition. In Germany, Bild focused on that penalties record rather than a celebration of the No 10.

Source: L'Équipe