In Arlington, Texas, Lionel Messi made history during Argentina’s match against Austria. The Argentina star scored his 17th World Cup goal in the 38th minute, securing a 1-0 lead. This goal sets a new record, surpassing the previous mark as he played just two days shy of his 39th birthday. Despite missing a penalty earlier in the match, Messi joined an elite group of players by scoring in six consecutive World Cup matches, a feat shared only with France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho.

Previously, Messi equaled the record set by Germany’s Miroslav Klose at 16 goals during the Group J opener against Algeria, where he netted his first World Cup hat trick in a 3-0 victory. Messi claimed the record on Monday by capitalizing on a miscalculation by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Taking advantage of a pass from Facuno Medina, Messi expertly placed the ball into the net from 20 yards. His celebration echoed through the stadium, filled with 70,649 fans, mostly cheering for Argentina as they filled Dallas Cowboys’ stadium.

I expect my record to fall in this tournament, Klose remarked in an interview with German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung. With the larger field of competing teams, there are more games and more chances to score goals. Messi breaking the record is fine, and I have been a fan of Messi, always acknowledging his genius.

Klose, who played in 24 matches across four World Cup tournaments, had concluded his international career by defeating Argentina in the 2014 final. The recent hat trick was a significant milestone for Messi, marking his 200th international appearance and coming exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut.

The missed penalty occurred after Lautaro Martinez was fouled in the box by Austria’s Xaver Schlager and Stefan Posch. Though Schlager got a touch on the ball, Posch’s tackle led to the penalty call. His father, Jorge Messi, instrumental as an agent in his career, is currently undergoing medical treatment, a personal struggle that has emotionally impacted Messi.