Controversy Erupts Over Lionel Messi's Goal vs Austria- 'Shouldn't Have Stood'

Lionel Messi made World Cup history against Austria on Monday. But much of the conversation after the match focused on whether his first goal should have counted in the first place.

The Argentina captain scored the two goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals and moving past Miroslav Klose as the leading scorer in men's World Cup history.

It was a landmark moment. Yet within minutes after the first goal, the celebrations were overshadowed by complaints.

Lionel Messi Breaks World Cup Goals Record But Controversy Overshadows Historic Moment

The controversy centers on an incident involving Alexis Mac Allister just before Argentina's attack developed. Several pundits and former players believe the Liverpool midfielder committed a foul on an Austrian player off the ball, an infringement they say should have stopped play before Messi ever got his chance.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was among those left unimpressed.

Speaking on Fox Sports at halftime, the Danish legend argued that referee Amin Mohamed Omar got the decision wrong. "I don't think that goal should have stood," Schmeichel said.

"Mac Allister has kicked the player down. That should have been a free-kick."

He also questioned why VAR did not intervene. "That is a clear and obvious mistake by the referee. For that, I feel a little bit frustrated."

Austria's players protested, but the officials saw nothing wrong with the sequence. VAR checked the play and allowed the goal to stand without sending the referee to the monitor.

The debate became even bigger because of what Messi had already gone through earlier in the match. Argentina were awarded a penalty after Lautaro Martinez was brought down in the box by Stefan Posch. It looked like the perfect chance for Messi to make history.

Instead, he missed.

The 38-year-old dragged his penalty wide of the post. But Messi responded the way great players often do.

In the 38th minute, Argentina worked the ball into the area and a low cross found its way to their captain. This time, there was no mistake. Messi met it first time with his left foot and swept the ball into the net.

The goal proved decisive. It also made him the first player ever to reach 17 World Cup goals.

That did little to calm the reaction online. Fans quickly flooded social media, with many questioning why the alleged foul in the build-up was not reviewed more closely. Others pointed to previous refereeing controversies involving Argentina earlier in the tournament and demanded greater consistency from officials.

The goal remains on the scoresheet. The record belongs to Messi.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM.