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Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champion Argentina advances to knockout stage
By Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty kick. Almost ...
Key takeaway Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty kick.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The sold-out crowd at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium, largely clad in Messi's No. 10 jersey, is a testament to the strong Argentine fan base in the San Antonio area and beyond. This enthusiasm is not surprising, given the significant Hispanic population in Bexar County, which has a rich history of embracing international soccer. As Argentina advances to the knockout stage, local fans will be eagerly watching to see if Messi can continue to break records and lead his team to another World Cup title. The fact that Messi achieved this milestone in a Texas stadium, just a few hours' drive from San Antonio, adds to the excitement and sense of connection for local soccer enthusiasts. With the World Cup capturing the attention of fans worldwide, San Antonio's own soccer community is likely to be abuzz with discussion and anticipation for the remainder of the tournament.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty kick. Almost ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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