Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, netting twice during Argentina`s 2-0 Group J win over Austria on Monday.

The double also extended Messi`s scoring streak to six consecutive World Cup matches.

The Argentina captain had moved level with Brazilian great Marta, whose 17 goals in the women`s tournament had stood as the overall record, before moving clear and setting a new outright benchmark for combined men`s and women`s World Cup scoring.

He also extended his tally to five goals at this year`s edition.

Messi crowned a flowing Argentina move in Dallas, starting the attack before arriving unmarked in the penalty area to sweep a first-time finish into the bottom corner from Facundo Medina`s low cross, before later adding a stoppage-time second as he reacted quickest inside the box to seal the victory.

The Argentine talisman, who turns 39 later this week, had earlier missed a golden opportunity when he sent a penalty wide after Lautaro Martinez was fouled.

The goal sparked celebrations among a sea of Argentina shirts in Dallas, with chants of Messi`s name echoing around the stadium as, four decades after Diego Maradona`s iconic exploits, Argentina`s latest number 10 continued to build his own World Cup legacy.

The victory secured Argentina`s place in the knockout stage with a game to spare in Group J, following their opening 3-0 win over Algeria, as Lionel Scaloni’s side maintained a perfect start to their title defence.