Image Source: ESPN
In a historic moment for soccer fans worldwide, Lionel Messi has firmly established himself as one of the greatest athletes of all time by becoming the highest goal scorer in World Cup history. During Argentina’s Group J match against Austria on June 22, 2026, Messi netted two goals to bring his tally to 18, surpassing the legendary Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16.
After scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, Messi entered the game against Austria needing just two goals to break the record. Although he encountered a setback by missing a penalty early in the match, he bounced back spectacularly. In the 38th minute, Messi curled in a goal after connecting perfectly with a pass from Thiago Almada, sending fans in Buenos Aires into jubilation.
The talented forward added a second goal in the dying moments of the game, solidifying Argentina’s 2-0 victory and ensuring their progression to the knockout stages of the tournament. Messi’s achievements don’t just highlight his scoring prowess but also illustrate his consistency; he has now scored in six consecutive World Cup games, starting from 2022.
By scoring his 18th World Cup goal, Messi has moved ahead of Marta, the women’s all-time World Cup leading scorer, who has 17 goals. With this remarkable feat, Messi has not only cemented his place in soccer history but has also become the first player to compete in six separate World Cup tournaments, a record in itself.
Kylian Mbappé, younger and equally talented, is catching up to the leaders with his own double in France’s subsequent match against Iraq. He now shares the previous record of 16 World Cup goals with Klose. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a notable benchmark with his total of 143 international goals for Portugal.
In the aftermath of the match, a reflective Messi stated, “There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it.” This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who have followed Messi’s career from his initial appearances in international competitions, dating back to his first World Cup goal at just 18 years old against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.
The win against Austria not only celebrates Messi’s records but also marks Argentina’s significant momentum as they navigate through the tournament. Messi emphasized the importance of victory in relieving pressure for upcoming matches, saying, “It was huge, tough and difficult. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense.” Argentina is currently leading Group J with two wins out of two matches, having scored five times in the tournament so far.
As Messi approaches his 39th birthday, with an ailing father back home, the weight of his legacy and the pressure of the World Cup appears to have only fueled his extraordinary talent. His next challenge will be a match against Jordan to close out the group stage, paving the way for a potential historic knockout run for Argentina.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals has Messi scored in World Cup tournaments?
As of June 22, 2026, Lionel Messi has scored a total of 18 goals in World Cup tournaments.
Who did Messi surpass to become the highest goal scorer in World Cup history?
Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose, who held the record with 16 goals.
What records does Messi hold now?
Messi holds the records for the most World Cup goals scored and the first player to participate in six World Cups.
Is Messi’s performance affecting team dynamics?
M Messi’s stellar performance has significantly boosted team morale, helping Argentina progress confidently in the tournament.
As the World Cup excitement builds, all eyes will be on whether Messi can lead Argentina to further glory while continuing his record-breaking journey.
