Lionel Messi is Not Only Chasing the World Cup Goals Record Against Austria

Lionel Messi is approaching two all-time World Cup records as Argentina takes on Austria in group play on Monday.

Not only is Messi chasing the tournament’s goals record, he is also one assist away from become the best setup man in the event’s near-100-year history.

Messi is currently one goal from equaling former German striker Miroslav Klose’s mark of 16 World Cup goals after the Argentine legend recorded his first-ever World Cup hat trick during a 3-0 rout of Algeria on June 16. In his last World Cup in 2022, Messi finished the event with seven goals across seven matches en route to the country’s first title since 1986.

The man who many have deemed the greatest soccer player ever is also tied with fellow countryman Diego Maradona with eight assists across five separate World Cups. If he is to record a helper against the Austrians, he would stand alone. Messi finished the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with three assists.

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Argentina and Austria kicked off at 1 p.m., with both teams hoping to win their second straight game of the tournament. Messi had a great opportunity to break the goals record with a penalty kick in the eighth minute, but missed his target, pushing the shot wide, past the right post. It was a shocking error for the 38-year-old.

Argentina opened with their domination of the Algerians, while Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 on June 17. Both teams currently have three points and are each in a great position to win Group J. Before the match, Argentina was a -200 favorite to beat the Austrians, according to FanDuel.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 10:33 AM.