Messi's historic brace powers Argentina past Austria to enter knockout stage

DALLAS: Defending champions Argentina secured a place in the round of 32 of the World Cup after defeating Austria 2-0 in Group J. Captain Lionel Messi entered the record books by scoring a brace. Messi's goals came in the 38th minute and in the injury time of the second half. If not for an early penalty miss, Messi would have completed a hat-trick for the second match in a row.

With his first goal of the match, Messi became the all-time top scorer in the World Cup, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose (16). Messi is now the record goal scorer in World Cups with 18 goals in total.

Despite losing the game, Austria showed spark of a fight and at moments left Argentina team scurrying for the ball. As Argentina gradually found their rhythm, Austria switched to counterattacking. But the defence, led by Christian Romero, set a bulwark impossible to breach. Argentina's final group match is against Jordan. Austria will need a win in the next game to enter the round of 32.