Lionel Messi rewrote the record books on Monday, scoring both goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals. The 38-year-old captain surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose, delivering a performance that echoed Diego Maradona's legendary display against England exactly 40 years earlier.

After missing an eighth-minute penalty, Messi responded with a low strike in the 18th minute for his 17th World Cup goal. He sealed the record with a stoppage-time winner, squeezing the ball past two defenders from a tight angle. The brace meant he scored with both of his opportunities while extending his remarkable run of 12 goals in six matches.

Former players marveled at Messi's continued excellence, with Danny Murphy praising his 'football intelligence' and Olivier Giroud noting his ability to maintain peak condition. Messi has scored all five of Argentina's goals at this tournament and sits two clear atop the scoring charts. Former England striker Chris Sutton questioned whether Argentina rely too heavily on their captain.

The victory guaranteed Argentina's place in the last-32, with Messi targeting more history against Jordan on Sunday. His 14 left-footed goals and four strikes from outside the box demonstrate sustained excellence, while his 12 goals since turning 35 prove age is merely a number.