Lionel Messi set a Fifa World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.
The record eight-time world player of the year also broke the record for the most wins in the World Cup in the same victory, pulling up to 18 and ahead of German legend Miroslav Klose's 17.
Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty kick.
Almost 30 minutes later, Messi caught Alexander Schlager leaning the wrong way after Thiago Almada let Facuno Medina's pass go by him directly onto Messi's left foot.
Messi scored again in injury time to move two ahead of Germany striker Klose. The Argentina captain also moved ahead of Klose for all-time wins at a World Cup, with Messi now at 18 individual victories on world soccer's biggest stage.
Messi then made history in the 38th minute, drifting into the middle of the box and latching onto Facundo Medina’s pass before hitting a cool finish into the bottom corner.
The striker looked to make an impact early in the second half when his chipped free-kick was cleared and Emiliano Martinez was forced into a solid save at the opposite end to claw away Sabitzer’s free-kick.
A well-worked move from Argentina resulted in Enzo Fernandez having an effort blocked by Kevin Danso and Messi then seemingly had a shot tipped wide by Schlager, but a goal-kick was awarded.
Austria had a good opportunity when Sabitzer sent in a cross for Michael Gregoritsch, but the forward nodded over the crossbar.
Argentina almost extended their advantage in the 73rd minute when Nico Gonzalez flicked a header wide from Messi’s corner into the area.
In the final stages, Danso made another important block from Gonzalez and Fernandez smashed the rebound into the defence before the ball was cleared and Austria had an opportunity to equalise when Patrick Wimmer headed wide.
Argentina took advantage when Julian Alvarez had an effort saved and the ball was recycled back into the area for Messi to smash home his fifth goal of the tournament deep into time added on.
