World Cup: Messi makes historic 17th World Cup goal in Texas

Fans hoping to see Messi break World Cup record

Fans heading to Dallas Stadium for Monday’s Argentina vs Austria match are hoping to witness history. If soccer superstar Lionel Messi can score at least one goal for Argentina, he will break a record for the most all-time World Cup goals.

DALLAS – One of the biggest names in soccer made World Cup history in Texas on Monday.

Lionel Messi was playing for his native Argentina against Austria at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. Locals know the stadium better as AT&T Stadium.

Messi has already showed off his skills during the world’s biggest sports tournament when he pulled a hat-trick during Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria. That tied Messi with Germany’s Miroslave Klose for the most goals in men’s World Cup history at 16. During the first-half of Monday’s match, Messi broke that record with the 18th goal of his World Cup career.

WATCH: Argentina vs Austria at Dallas Stadium

The 38-year-old Argentine forward and midfielder is already his native country’s leader in national-team appearances and goals, with 120 goals and 27 World Cup appearances across six tournaments. 

Outside the World Cup, Messi plays for Miami. He’s unbeaten in appearances in the Lone Star State, with three wins and two draws over five matches.

Week of World Cup action in Texas

The World Cup in Texas moves to Houston on Tuesday with a match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at noon.

Japan and Sweden meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in Dallas.

Houston hosts Cabo Verde and Saudia Arabia at 7 p.m. Friday.

Argentina faces their next opponent in Dallas with a match against Jordan at 9 p.m. Saturday.