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Messi Makes History: Argentina Star Becomes All-Time World Cup Top Scorer in 2-0 Win Over Austria
Lionel Messi has done it again. The 38-year-old Argentine legend scored twice against Austria on Monday night in Dallas to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16 goals) with his 17th and 18th tournament strikes. Argentina won 2-0 and secured their place in the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Match Result: Argentina 2-0 Austria
| Team | Goals | Scorers |
| Argentina 🇦🇷 | 2 | Messi 38′, 90+2′ |
| Austria 🇦🇹 | 0 | — |
Record-Breaking Night in Dallas
Messi entered the match level with Klose on 16 goals after a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opener. He broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a trademark sweeping first-time finish from inside the box, after Thiago Almada cleverly let Facundo Medina’s pull-back run through his legs.
The record could have come even sooner — Messi fired a penalty wide in the 8th minute after Stefan Posch fouled Lautaro Martinez. But the miss only delayed the inevitable. In second-half stoppage time, he fired home from a tight angle past two Austrian defenders to put the result beyond doubt.
A Legend Beyond Compare
Messi’s 18 World Cup goals span five tournaments (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026). Remarkably, 12 of those 18 have come after he turned 35. He also became just the third player in tournament history to score in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining Just Fontaine (1958) and Jairzinho (1970).
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who now plays for Inter Miami in MLS, has 122 international goals in 201 appearances for Argentina. He turns 39 on Wednesday — what a birthday gift this record is.
Other World Cup Results — June 22, 2026
| Match | Score | Group |
| Japan vs Tunisia | 4-0 | Group F |
| Egypt vs New Zealand | 3-1 | Group G |
| Belgium vs Iran | 0-0 | Group G |
| Uruguay vs Cape Verde | 2-2 | Group H |
| France vs Iraq | POSTPONED (weather) | Group I |
| Argentina vs Austria | 2-0 | Group J |
Mbappe on Messi’s Tail
Kylian Mbappe is now joint-third on the all-time list with 15 goals after scoring for France against Iraq before their match was suspended due to severe weather in Philadelphia. The 27-year-old French star, who scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final, is the most likely candidate to eventually surpass Messi’s new mark.
Mbappe scored a stunning opener on his 100th France appearance before lightning and storms forced the second half to be delayed. Fans were told to shelter as rain swept across Lincoln Financial Field.
Looking Ahead
Argentina will face Jordan in their final group match on June 28 before the knockout stage begins. Austria still have a chance to advance with three points. Already qualified for the last 32: Argentina, Mexico, United States, and Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the all-time top scorer in World Cup history?
Lionel Messi now holds the record with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s 16.
How many World Cups has Messi scored in?
Messi has scored in five World Cups: 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026.
Can Mbappe catch Messi?
Kylian Mbappe is third on the list with 15 goals at age 27. With potentially two more World Cups ahead of him, he has a strong chance.
When does Argentina play next?
Argentina face Jordan on June 28 in their final Group J match before the round of 32.
Upcoming Matches to Watch
- Netherlands vs Tunisia — Group F
- Sweden vs Japan — Group F
- Egypt vs Iran — Group G
- France vs Iraq (rescheduled) — Group I
- Jordan vs Algeria — Group J
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