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World Cup history could be rewritten tonight as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe prepare for crucial group-stage fixtures that could see them surpass one of football’s most iconic records.

Messi, aged 38, recently equalled the all-time World Cup scoring record with 16 goals after netting a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria to open their campaign.

Meanwhile, Mbappe, now 27, scored twice against Senegal to take his tournament tally to 14 goals, helping France to a 3-1 win and strengthening their position in the group.

Argentina will face Austria in Dallas, Texas this evening (6pm BST), while Mbappe’s France side take on Iraq in Philadelphia later at 10pm BST. Victories for both nations would secure their progression into the knockout rounds.

If Messi scores at least once tonight, he will move ahead of Miroslav Klose’s record. The German legend had previously overtaken Ronaldo Nazario’s tally with a goal during Germany’s 7-1 semi-final thrashing of Brazil in 2014.

This marks Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance — matching Cristiano Ronaldo for the most tournaments played — and his 16 goals have come across 27 matches.

However, he faces a tough challenge against Austria, who are competing in their first World Cup in 28 years. The European side feature experienced defender David Alaba, 33, whose contract with Real Madrid concludes this month.

Alaba is joined by former Chelsea forward Carney Chukwuemeka, 22, and veteran striker Marko Arnautovic, 37. Arnautovic was on the scoresheet during Austria’s 3-1 win over Jordan in their opening match.

Mbappe’s task will depend on how Messi performs earlier in the evening. The Real Madrid forward needs a hat-trick to move ahead of Klose, though Messi could extend his lead before France even kick off.

Mbappe has scored in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals — including a memorable hat-trick in Qatar, where France were beaten by Messi’s Argentina. This tournament is the third World Cup of his career.

France’s opponents, Iraq, suffered a tough opening defeat, losing 4-1 to Norway as Erling Haaland struck twice in his first ever World Cup appearance. Iraq’s lone goal came from Aymen Hussein, who ranks as the nation’s fifth-highest goalscorer of all time.

Iraq have featured in every World Cup since 2014, following earlier appearances in 1978, 1998 and 2006. Tonight, they will aim to keep their hopes alive against one of the world’s most formidable attacking line-ups.