arts
Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champion Argentina advances to knockout stage
By Steven Rosenbaum at CBS4 Miami
· June 22, 2026
· 3 min read
A crowd of more than 70,000 people witnessed history in Arlington, Texas, on Monday afternoon as soccer icon Lionel Messi scored the 17th and 18th goals in his FIFA World Cup career, setting the all-time record for the tournament and leading Argentina to a 2-0 victory against Austria.Messi passed Ge
Key takeaway Messi passed Germany's Miroslav Klose for the record, sending a left-footed strike into the back of the net in the 38th minute that gave Argentina a 1-0 lead against Austria in Group J play.
Why this matters in The Miami
For Miami 's large Argentine community, particularly in Little Havana, Messi's record-breaking performance is a source of pride. Many residents gathered in local restaurants and bars to watch the game, donning Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey and cheering on their team. The city's strong Latin American influence makes international soccer events like the World Cup a major draw, with fans from various countries coming together to celebrate their teams. As Argentina advances to the knockout stage, Miami's Argentine fans will likely continue to rally behind their team, adding to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. The timing of Messi's achievement, coinciding with the anniversary of Maradona's famous goal, will also resonate with older fans who remember the legendary player's impact on Argentine soccer.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami 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 .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A crowd of more than 70,000 people witnessed history in Arlington, Texas, on Monday afternoon as soccer icon Lionel Messi scored the 17th and 18th goals in his FIFA World Cup career, setting the all-time record for the tournament and leading Argentina to a 2-0 victory against Austria.Messi passed Ge
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steven Rosenbaum at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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