Lionel Messi missed a penalty then broke the all-time World Cup scoring record as Argentina secured their place in the last 32 with a hard-fought win over a stubborn Austria side.
The 38-year-old squandered a ninth-minute spot-kick, side-footing woefully wide when well placed to surpass Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.
But he made amends at the end of the first half, sliding home coolly after Facundo Medina’s cutback to move one clear of the German – and then added a scrappy second in the dying moments to put the result beyond doubt.
Austria were excellent value for a contest that remained alive until deep into added time. Ralf Rangnick’s side pressed relentlessly, created several presentable chances and gave Argentina considerably more trouble than the scoreline suggests.
Austria undone by Messi magic
The penalty award came on seven minutes after VAR determined Stefan Posch had fouled Lautaro Martinez in the box. Messi’s attempt was embarrassingly poor, casual in the run-up and wide of the right post.
Nicolas Seiwald blocked a Messi effort off the line on 31 minutes, and Gregoritsch headed narrowly over from Sabitzer’s delivery as the Austrians matched their opponents in the first period.
That was until Almada slid the ball wide to Medina, whose perfectly timed cutback found Messi arriving at the back post.
One touch, one finish, and the record was Messi’s. Seventeen World Cup goals, and that wouldn’t be the last.
Austria push but Messi has last word
Austria came again in the second half. Marcel Sabitzer, winning his 100th cap, forced Emiliano Martinez into a firm parry from a well-struck free-kick.
Neither side could find a decisive second goal as the clock wound down, with Nicolas Gonzalez seeing a shot blocked by Kevin Danso in the 87th minute.
But Messi settled it in stoppage time, his initial effort after Alvarez’s shot was parried blocked, before he drove the rebound into the centre of the net from close range.
Argentina are through, and Messi has 18 World Cup goals, the record. For now.
