Messi Becomes the All-Time Top Scorer in FIFA World Cup History, Live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, as Day 12 of the Tournament Dominates Ratings

Yesterday, Lionel Messi once again shone on football’s biggest stage, with his brace setting a new FIFA World Cup scoring record. At nearly 39 years old, the Argentine star became the all-time leading scorer in the history of the competition, broadcast exclusively within the Antena universe. Viewers watched Argentina secure qualification for the Round of 32 in a Group J clash against Austria, winning 2–0. Together with the Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde (2–2) and the Group G encounter between New Zealand and Egypt (1–3), for which audience data were released today, the matches ranked as clear ratings leaders. Moreover, Antena 1 topped the ratings charts yesterday both during Prime Time and across the entire day. Today, the battle for qualification to the Round of 32 continues exclusively on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, featuring Group L and Group K fixtures: Portugal vs Uzbekistan, England vs Ghana, Panama vs Croatia, and Colombia vs DR Congo, all broadcast live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY.

The Argentina vs Austria match, aired between 20:01 and 22:02 and ending 2–0, was viewers’ first choice, achieving a 36.5% market share and an average rating of 9.3 points among the commercial audience aged 21–54. It was followed by Pro TV with a 19.3% market share and a 4.9 rating. The same ranking was maintained among urban viewers, where the match recorded a 29.3% market share and a 9.6 rating, compared to Pro TV’s 14.7% market share and 4.8 rating. Nationwide, Antena 1 achieved a 23.9% market share and a 7.5 rating, ahead of Pro TV’s 15.8% market share and 4.9 rating. At the peak minute, 22:01, more than 1.8 million viewers were watching the match on Antena 1.

Antena 1 also led the ratings throughout the entire day, recording a 2.4 rating and a 23.1% market share, as well as during the entire Prime Time slot (19:00–00:00), with a 6.1 rating and a 26.4% market share.

The previous day’s matches—Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Group H, 2–2) and New Zealand vs Egypt (Group G, 1–3)—for which audience data were released today, also topped the ratings rankings, recording market shares of 30.5% and 29.1% respectively among the commercial audience aged 21–54. The same hierarchy was reflected across the other key audience categories.

Last night, Argentina faced Austria before securing qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in a match that made history. Lionel Messi once again stole the spotlight, his two goals proving enough for Argentina to secure victory and advance to the next stage of the tournament.

With 18 goals scored in FIFA World Cup final tournaments, the nearly 39-year-old star moved two goals clear of Miroslav Klose and appears increasingly difficult to surpass. Furthermore, he has now scored 12 World Cup goals after the age of 35—more than many legendary players have managed throughout their entire World Cup careers.

For comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored eight World Cup goals, the same number as Diego Maradona, Neymar, and Rivaldo. Thierry Henry scored six, while Harry Kane has scored ten.

With the penalty awarded in the 9th minute—saved by Alexander Schlager—Messi also became the player with the most penalties taken in FIFA World Cup history (7), as well as the most penalties missed (3).

Earlier today, in the second round of Group I action, France faced Iraq in a very special match: the French national team’s 100th FIFA World Cup appearance. France won 3–0. The match was suspended for two hours due to a storm in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappé continued his race with Lionel Messi for the tournament’s Golden Boot live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY. Following Messi’s brace against Austria, Mbappé responded with a brace of his own against Iraq and nearly completed a hat-trick with a superb effort in the 90th minute that narrowly missed the top corner.

This morning, Norway defeated Senegal 3–2 in the second round of Group I matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a thrilling encounter. Erling Haaland scored twice for Norway, while Sarr netted a brace for the African side. The decisive goal came from Pedersen, who opened the scoring in the 93rd minute.

Norway therefore secured qualification for the Round of 32 after opening their campaign with a 4–1 victory over Iraq.

At 06:00, Jordan faced Algeria in Group J, with Algeria winning 2–1. The clash between the two teams that had lost their opening matches appeared, on paper, to favor Algeria, but Mahrez and Gouiri’s side struggled significantly. Al Rashad gave Jordan the lead before halftime, forcing Algeria to chase the game for an entire half. They eventually completed the comeback late on and now remain in contention for qualification to the Round of 32.

In the final group-stage round, Algeria will face Austria, while Jordan faces the daunting challenge of taking on Argentina.

The FIFA World Cup continues with Day 13, which will feature the final matches of the second round of the group stage. Several major footballing nations will take to the field as the four matches from Groups K and L are played live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY:

• Portugal vs Uzbekistan (20:00)
• England vs Ghana (23:00)
• Panama vs Croatia (02:00)
• Colombia vs DR Congo (05:00)

Source: Fifty5Blue
Copyright: ARMADATA S.R.L.
Data processed by: Antena Group Research Department
Analysis based on targets: 21–54 Urban, Urban All, and National audiences
Period: June 22, 2026