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Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champion Argentina advances to knockout stage
By Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 3 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 Almost 30 minutes later, Messi caught Alexander Schlager leaning the wrong way after Thiago Almada let Facuno Medina's pass go by him directly onto Messi's left foot.
Why this matters in Tomball News
The excitement of the World Cup has reached Tomball , with many residents likely gathering to watch Lionel Messi's record-breaking performance. As Argentina advances to the knockout stage, local soccer fans are abuzz with the news. The fact that the match was held at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, just a few hours north of Tomball, adds to the local interest. The sold-out crowd, largely dressed in Messi's No. 10 jersey, is a testament to the strong soccer following in the Houston area, which includes Tomball. As the World Cup continues, local businesses may see an increase in patrons gathering to watch matches, providing a boost to the community. With Messi's achievement coming on the same day as Diego Maradona's famous "goal of the century" 40 years ago, the match has an added layer of significance for soccer enthusiasts in Tomball and beyond.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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