Lionel Messi has added yet another golden chapter to his legendary career, becoming the outright highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentine captain entered the match level with German icon Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, but left Arlington, Texas with an unprecedented tally of 18, cementing his place at the summit of football’s grandest stage.
The historic evening did not begin smoothly for the 38-year-old. Messi missed an early penalty, dragging his effort wide after Argentina were awarded a spot-kick. Yet champions respond to adversity, and Messi did exactly that. Seven minutes before halftime, he calmly swept home Argentina’s opener to score his 17th World Cup goal and move beyond Klose’s long-standing record.
As Austria searched desperately for a way back into the contest, Argentina remained in control. Then, deep into stoppage time, Messi delivered the final blow. Reacting quickest inside a crowded penalty area, he slammed home his second of the night to make it 2-0 and extend his record to 18 World Cup goals.
The victory was more than a historic night for one player. It secured Argentina’s place in the knockout stages and underlined the defending champions’ determination to retain the trophy they won four years ago. Remarkably, Messi has now scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament so far.
Argentina have already booked their place in the Round of 32 and sit firmly atop Group J.
For Messi, however, the night transcended qualification and points. Just days before his 39th birthday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner once again proved that greatness knows no age. The record once held by Klose now belongs solely to him.
