Lionel Messi added yet another remarkable chapter to his legendary career on Monday, becoming the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The Argentina captain scored twice in his side’s 2-0 win over Austria to take his overall tally to 18 goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record.
The 38-year-old had entered the Group J clash level with Klose on 16 goals. After missing an early penalty, Messi bounced back in style to score twice and guide defending champions Argentina into the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Messi Overtakes Klose And Marta
Messi’s first goal of the night saw him move ahead of Klose, whose record of 16 World Cup goals had stood since Germany’s triumph in 2014. His second strike in stoppage time took his tally to 18 goals, also moving him past Brazilian great Marta, who scored 17 goals in the Women’s World Cup.
With that, Messi became the highest goalscorer across both men’s and women’s World Cup competitions.
Penalty Miss Doesn’t Stop Messi
The Argentine superstar had a chance to make history early in the game after Lautaro Martinez won a penalty. However, Messi surprisingly sent his effort wide.
The miss, though, did little to affect him. Later in the first half, he started a brilliant attacking move before timing his run perfectly into the box. Facundo Medina delivered a low cross, and Messi calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to score his historic 17th World Cup goal.
He then sealed Argentina’s victory in stoppage time when he reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area and finished with composure, completing his brace and taking his tally to 18.
Five Goals In Two Matches At 2026 World Cup
Messi has made a flying start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring five goals in Argentina’s first two matches.
He opened his campaign with a hat-trick against Algeria in a 3-0 victory, which brought him level with Klose. His two goals against Austria have now made him the outright record holder.
Playing in his sixth World Cup, Messi continues to defy age. He scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 and has since found the net in every edition, including seven goals during Argentina’s title-winning campaign in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina Through To The Knockout Stage
The victory over Austria gave Argentina six points from two Group J matches and confirmed their place in the Round of 16. Lionel Scaloni’s side have yet to concede a goal and are well placed to finish top of the group.
Despite Austria’s disciplined defending, Messi’s brilliance proved the difference as Argentina secured another important win.
With Argentina set to face Jordan in their final group-stage game, Messi will not only be looking to maintain his team’s momentum but also strengthen his bid for the Golden Boot.
Just days before his 39th birthday, the Argentine legend continues to prove why he is regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, adding another historic milestone to an already extraordinary career.
