Lionel Messi Becomes All-Time World Cup Top Scorer with 18 Goals

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Lionel Messi has done it again. The 38-year-old Argentine legend scored twice against Austria on Monday to become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer with 18 goals, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16). In doing so, Messi delivered yet another “immortal moment” at a tournament that keeps writing new chapters for his storied career.

The Record-Breaking Performance

Playing at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — 40 years to the day after Diego Maradona scored his famous double against England in the 1986 World Cup — Messi scored both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria.

It wasn’t a perfect start. Messi missed an eighth-minute penalty, firing the spot-kick wide — his third missed penalty in World Cup history (the most ever). But, as he has done countless times before, he made amends in spectacular fashion.

His 17th World Cup goal came in the 38th minute with a low strike past the Austrian goalkeeper, moving him one clear of Klose. Then, in second-half stoppage time, he produced a moment of pure Messi magic — squeezing the ball past two defenders from a tight angle to make it 18.

Messi’s World Cup Goals by the Numbers

Stat	Number
Total World Cup goals	18
Games played	28
World Cups played	6
Left-footed goals	14
Goals from outside the box	4
Goals since turning 35	12
Goals at 2026 World Cup	5 (all of Argentina’s goals)
Consecutive WC matches scored in	6

Only two other players have scored in six successive World Cup matches: France’s Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil’s Jairzinho (1970). Messi joins elite company.

What They’re Saying

BBC commentator Steve Bower called it “another immortal Messi moment.”

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague said: “We don’t have time to create statues for Lionel Messi or deep analysis for him in newspapers. We cannot keep pace. He is enjoying it and this is the best thing.”

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy added: “His football intelligence is off the charts. He just finds space and the timing is great from the best player I’ve ever seen.”

From Retirement to Records

Ten years ago, in 2016, Messi announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years. “For me, the national team is over,” he said at the time.

Thankfully, he reversed that decision. Since then, Argentina has won two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup — with Messi scoring seven goals in that tournament, including two in the final. Now, at 38, he’s still rewriting the record books.

Is Argentina Too Reliant on Messi?

The numbers say yes. Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals at this World Cup. While that shows his enduring brilliance, it raises questions about whether other attackers — Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala — need to step up as Argentina faces tougher knockout opposition.

For now, Argentina have already secured a place in the last 32, and Messi will have another chance to add to his tally in their final group match against Jordan.

FAQ

Q: Who did Messi surpass for the all-time World Cup goals record?
A: Messi surpassed Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who held the record with 16 World Cup goals.

Q: How many World Cups has Messi played in?
A: Messi is playing in his sixth World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026). No player has ever scored in more than six editions.

Q: What other records does Messi hold at the World Cup?
A: Messi holds records for most World Cup appearances (28+), most penalties taken (7) and missed (3) in tournament history, and most chances created (76). He’s also tied with Maradona for most assists (8).

Q: When does Argentina play next?
A: Argentina faces Jordan in their final Group J match on Sunday, June 28. Kickoff is at 3:00 AM BST / 10:00 PM ET Saturday.

Q: Could Messi play in the 2030 World Cup?
A: Messi has hinted he may continue playing. Spanish journalist Guillem Balague said: “I think we’re going to see him in four years’ time.” He would be 42.

Upcoming World Cup Fixtures (June 23-24)

Match	Group	Date	Time (ET)
England vs Ghana	L	June 23	3:00 PM
Scotland vs Brazil	C	June 23	6:00 PM
South Korea vs South Africa	A	June 24	12:00 PM
Mexico vs Czechia	A	June 24	3:00 PM
USA vs Turkey	D	June 24	6:00 PM

The debate is over. With 18 World Cup goals, two Copa America titles, and the 2022 World Cup trophy, Lionel Messi’s claim as the greatest player in football history grows stronger with every match. Whether you’re an Argentina fan or not, we’re witnessing something truly special.