Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history after netting his 18th World Cup goal to surpass former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals.
The Argentina captain reached the milestone during his side’s Group J clash against Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi scored in the 38th minute after earlier missing a penalty kick and a second goal in the 90’+5 minute, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals.
The goal also saw Messi become only the third player in history to score in six successive World Cup appearances. He joins France’s Just Fontaine, who achieved the feat at the 1958 tournament, and Brazil’s Jairzinho, who did so in 1970.
Messi now leads the World Cup’s all-time scoring chart with 18 goals, ahead of Klose on 16. Brazil legend Ronaldo is third with 15 goals, while Germany great Gerd Müller scored 14.
The 38-year-old has represented Argentina at six FIFA World Cups, featuring at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions.
Messi, who captained Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022, added another landmark to his career with his record-breaking strike against Austria.
His brace against Austria not only extended his scoring record but also ensured Argentina’s qualification for the knockout stage of the tournament.
