Dallas, USA – Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history, netting two goals against Austria to bring his career total to 18. This monumental achievement on Day 12 of the 2026 World Cup has propelled Argentina into the knockout stages, while France also continues its dominant run, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive final appearance. However, the tournament's progress is increasingly overshadowed by significant weather challenges across North American host cities.
Messi, just days shy of his 39th birthday, surpassed German legend Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals with his first strike in the 38th minute of Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. He then added a second in stoppage time, bringing his 2026 tournament tally to five goals. "Beyond anything I'm so happy for the win," Messi stated after the match, emphasizing the team's collective goal.
France, led by captain Kylian Mbappé, has also demonstrated formidable form, securing two convincing wins in Group I. They defeated Senegal 3-1 in New York and followed up with a 3-0 victory over Iraq in Philadelphia, a match that experienced a significant two-hour weather delay. Mbappé, who recently earned his 100th international cap, has scored four goals in the tournament, placing him among the top contenders for the Golden Boot.
The "weather" mentioned in the tweet has emerged as a critical factor, with extreme heat and severe thunderstorms impacting multiple venues. AccuWeather meteorologists report that 14 out of 16 host locations exceed Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) thresholds of 28 °C, with some experiencing delays due to lightning. A study suggests that up to 88% of the 104 matches could be played under high environmental stress, leading to concerns for player health and performance.
Matches in cities like Philadelphia have seen play suspended due to lightning, while Houston and Miami have faced oppressive heat and humidity, with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions have prompted discussions about rescheduling kick-off times, particularly for open-air stadiums, to mitigate risks for both players and fans. The Athletic's recap of Day 12 highlights these ongoing narratives as the tournament progresses.
