Lionel Messi became the highest-scoring player in World Cup history during Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria, but former Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes the record-breaking goal should not have stood.

Messi moved past Miroslav Klose's mark of 16 World Cup goals when he scored in the 38th minute after sweeping home a left-footed finish following a quick Argentina attack.

The goal came shortly after Messi missed a penalty. The 39-year-old fired wide from the spot after Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the area.

Messi responded quickly, finding the net five minutes later to break the record. He added another goal in stoppage time to take his World Cup tally to 18.

However, Schmeichel argued that Argentina should have been penalised in the build-up to the first goal.

Schmeichel, who is covering the World Cup for Fox Sports, pointed to a challenge by Alexis Mac Allister on Austria midfielder Xaver Schlager.

He believed the referee missed a foul and that VAR should have intervened before the goal was allowed to stand.

"This is a free-kick, Mac Allister has kicked the player down. That should have been a free-kick. VAR should have taken that back. That is a clear and obvious mistake by the referee," Schmeichel said.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper added: "And for that I feel a little bit frustrated."

Despite the criticism, Messi's second goal ensured there was no doubt about his place at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.

The Argentine captain now stands ahead of Klose, Ronaldo Nazario and Gerd Muller as the competition's all-time leading scorer.

The match also brought an unwanted record for Messi. His first-half miss was his third penalty miss at a World Cup, the most by any player in the tournament's history.