Lionel Messi missed a penalty before scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Austria to become the Fifa World Cup's all-time record goalscorer on Monday.
The Argentina forward claimed the 17th and 18th World Cup goals of his career on the occasion of his 28th finals appearance, also a record.
The landmark moment arrived in the 38th minute in Dallas when he swept home in style from just inside the box.
The strike took Messi clear of German striker Miroslav Klose's mark of 16 goals, which he had equalled by scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's opening game of the tournament.
Messi is playing in a record sixth World Cup having made his debut and getting his first goal in a group game against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.
The Inter Miami star had already missed a glorious opportunity to break the record when his side were awarded an early penalty.
The spot-kick was given after a lengthy VAR review following a sliding challenge on striker Lautaro Martinez in the box.
History beckoned, but a nervous Messi dragged his left-footed penalty wide of the target. It was a third penalty miss in seven attempts at World Cups for the 38-year-old.
However, he wasn't to be denied his special moment. The goal put his side in front on the night as he started and then finished a slick move seven minutes before the break.
Messi fed Thiago Almada, who released Facundo Medina on the left wing. When the cutback arrived, Almada stepped over the ball and there was Messi to thump home his historic strike.
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He might have had a hat-trick by that point with him having two clear looks at goal in between the penalty miss and the opener.
Austria were more competitive after the break but rarely threatened the holders, who are seeking to defend the crown they won in Qatar four years ago.
Deep in stoppage time, Messi fired home his second from close range to put the result beyond doubt and go two clear of Klose with his fifth goal in just two games at the 2026 tournament.
The double was enough to secure top spot in Group J with a match to spare. Argentina finish with a game against Jordan on Sunday, while Austria face Algeria looking to join Messi and Co in the Round of 32.
