Lionel Messi has become the leading goalscorer in men’s World Cup history after scoring in Argentina’s group game against Austria.

Just two days before his 39th birthday, Messi eclipsed Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals, which had stood since 2014, clinically firing home during the first half of the match against their Group J opponents in Dallas. It was the sixth consecutive World Cup game in which Messi has scored.

He spurned an early opportunity to claim the record, pulling a penalty wide of the target after Argentina were awarded an early spot-kick.

Messi had moved himself into contention for the historic achievement following his stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria last week.