A coronation in Arlington. Lionel Messi scored both goals in Argentina's 2–0 win over Austria to become the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history — his 18 goals now two clear of Miroslav Klose's 16. He did it the hard way, missing a first-half penalty before curling in a sumptuous finish on 39 minutes and sealing the win deep into stoppage time (90+5').

The defending champions top Group J, but the night belonged entirely to their captain. Messi attempted seven shots, more than double anyone else on the pitch, and became only the third player ever to score in six consecutive World Cup games — joining France's Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil's Jairzinho (1970). Austria, well-drilled and pressing high, managed just a single shot on target.

Weird & wonderful

He missed a penalty and still broke the record. Eleven years and six tournaments on from his first World Cup goal, at 38, Messi stands alone atop a chart that had carried Klose's name since 2014.