World Cup Roundup: Messi Breaks Scoring Record as Argentina Beat Austria 2-0, Mbappe Inspires France 3-0 Win Over Iraq

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lionel Messi broke the all-time World Cup scoring record as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0, while Kylian Mbappe scored twice to lead France to a dominant 3-0 win over Iraq in Group J and Group I action of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The results strengthened both Argentina and France’s positions at the top of their respective groups, with two standout performances from their star captains defining another action-filled night at the tournament.

Argentina 2-0 Austria

Scorers:
Argentina: Lionel Messi (38’, 90+5’)

Lionel Messi made history by becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

The Argentine captain first had a chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, but his effort went narrowly wide after a VAR-awarded decision involving Lautaro Martínez.

Argentina continued to press, and Messi eventually broke the deadlock in the 38th minute after receiving a pass from Facundo Medina before finishing low into the bottom corner.

Austria responded after the break through Marcel Sabitzer’s free-kick, but Emiliano Martínez kept Argentina ahead with a crucial save.

Cristian Romero was forced off due to injury in the second half, while Austria came close late on through Patrick Wimmer’s header.

Messi then sealed the win in stoppage time (90+5’), reacting quickest to a rebound after Julián Álvarez’s effort was saved, completing a brace and securing a record-breaking 18 World Cup goals.

Starting Lineups

Argentina (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero (Nicolás Otamendi 57’), Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Acuña; Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez.

Austria (4-2-3-1): Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, Philipp Lienhart, David Raum; Xaver Schlager, Marcel Sabitzer; Patrick Wimmer, Christoph Baumgartner, Michael Gregoritsch; Sasa Kalajdzic.

France 3-0 Iraq

Scorers:
France: Kylian Mbappé (14’, 54’), Ousmane Dembélé (66’)

France delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Ousmane Dembélé adding a third goal in a dominant display.

Les Bleus started aggressively, with early pressure from Manu Koné and Ousmane Dembélé before Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute after a move involving Michael Olise.

Iraq’s response was disrupted when striker Aymen Hussein was forced off injured in the first half, though substitute Ali Al-Hamadi briefly threatened France’s defense.

After a weather delay early in the second half, France quickly regained control. Mbappé doubled the lead in the 54th minute after a combination with Dembélé.

France continued to press and extended their advantage in the 66th minute when Dembélé finished off an assist from Olise following sustained pressure.

Late substitutions saw France rotate their attacking line, while Mbappé continued to threaten before being withdrawn in stoppage time.

Iraq pushed for a consolation goal through set pieces and late chances, but failed to convert as France comfortably closed out the win.

Starting Lineups

France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappé.

Iraq (4-2-3-1): Ahmed Basil; Merchas Doski, Akam Hashim, Zaid Tahseen, Hussein Ali; Zaid Ismael, Amir Al Ammari; Ahmed Qasem, Zidane Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh; Aymen Hussein.

Read: World Cup Preview: Argentina Face Austria's High-Pressing Challenge

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