Lionel Messi has become the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history after netting twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.
The brace took the Argentina captain’s tally to 18 World Cup goals, moving him ahead of Germany legend Miroslav Klose, with whom he had previously shared the record.
Messi recovers from penalty miss
Messi entered the Group J match with 16 World Cup goals after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria.
However, he missed an early penalty against Austria and had to wait before claiming the record outright.
The 38-year-old eventually opened the scoring in the 38th minute after finishing a cutback. Later, he added a second goal to seal Argentina’s victory in Dallas and secure the defending champions’ place in the knockout stage.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said after the match.
Another milestone for Argentina captain
Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches since the 2022 tournament.
His 18th World Cup goal also moved him ahead of Brazil’s Marta, who holds the women’s World Cup record with 17 goals.
The Argentine superstar first scored at the World Cup on June 16, 2006, when he found the net against Serbia and Montenegro at the age of 18.
Twenty years later, he continues to rewrite history.
In addition to becoming the tournament’s leading scorer, Messi has also become the first player to appear in six men’s World Cups.
His latest goals increased his overall tally for Argentina to 121 international goals. Only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with 143 goals, has scored more in men’s international football.
Argentina secure place in knockout stage
Argentina’s victory over Austria also gave Messi another record.
The win made him the player with the most victories in men’s World Cup history.
“Beyond anything, I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said.
“It was huge, tough and difficult. It allows us to be relaxed for what’s ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even and intense. I’m enjoying this moment and enjoying it with my teammates.”
Mbappé remains in pursuit
Meanwhile, France forward Kylian Mbappé continues to climb the list of all-time World Cup scorers.
The 27-year-old has scored 15 goals at the tournament and remains one of the most prolific players in World Cup history.
With several years still ahead of him, Mbappé remains a strong contender to challenge Messi’s newly established record.
