Lionel Messi has rewritten football’s record books once again, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after a decisive double in Argentina’s commanding win over Austria.
The Argentina captain had already tied Miroslav Klose’s record with a hat trick in Argentina’s win over Algeria to open the 2026 World Cup on June 16. But it was the Austria clash that truly belonged to Messi.
After missing a first-half penalty in the Group J game, Messi made amends with a beautiful finish from the edge of the box shortly before halftime, pushing him past Klose’s mark record. The German forward had set his 16th World Cup goal during the 2014 semi-final demolition of host nation Brazil, a record that had stood untouched for over a decade.
Messi wasn’t finished. He extended his tally further in the dying moments of injury time, slotting home through a crowd of defenders after his first attempt was saved.
Messi’s first-ever World Cup goal came on June 16, 2006, as an 18-year-old substitute against Serbia and Montenegro, meaning his record-breaking exploits span two decades of international football.
The Austria brace also moved him clear of Marta, the women’s World Cup all-time top scorer, who sits on 17 goals.
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Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup appearances, and has netted 12 World Cup goals since turning 35— defying the conventional aging curve for elite strikers.
He has scored all five of Argentina’s goals at this tournament so far, firmly anchoring Argentina’s title defense.
Updated All-Time World Cup Top Scorers
Lionel Messi – 18 goals
Miroslav Klose – 16 goals
Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 goals
Gerd Müller – 14 goals
Kylian Mbappé – 14 goals (active)
Characteristically Humble
Even Mbappé, his closest rival on the active list, has been generous in praise — saying :
“Lionel is the best of the four players, it’s clear,” and that he is “the best of the best with Cristiano [Ronaldo],” having “shown over 15 years he has an amazing quality.”
The record-breaking day carried extra significance off the pitch too, as Messi turns 39 on Wednesday. The win also propelled him to lead in most men’s World Cup victories outright, while his international tally now stands at 121 goals for Argentina, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 143.