western
Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champion Argentina advances to knockout stage
By Schuyler Dixon | Associated Press at Fort Worth Report
· June 22, 2026
· 3 min read
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Lionel Messi set a 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. Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a
Key takeaway 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.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The World Cup match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington is a significant event for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, bringing international attention to the region. With a sold-out crowd of fans, mostly supporting Argentina, the stadium's retractable roof provided a comfortable environment for spectators to enjoy the game despite the hot Texas summer. The success of hosting such a high-profile event reflects positively on the area's ability to accommodate large-scale sporting events, which could have implications for future bids to host similar tournaments. As the tournament progresses, local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism industries, are likely to benefit from the influx of visitors. The fact that Argentina's winning streak and Messi's record-breaking performance occurred in the heart of North Texas will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the local community and reinforce the region's reputation as a premier destination for international sports.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: western ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Lionel Messi set a 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. Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Schuyler Dixon | Associated Press at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more western coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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