Messi Becomes World Cup's All-Time Leading Scorer with 18 Goals in Argentina's Victory Over Austria

Lionel Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose and Marta to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals after scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria on June 22, 2026. At 38 years old, Messi's brace secured Argentina's passage to the knockout stages and achieved the milestone in Dallas, exactly 40 years after Diego Maradona's historic 1986 goal against England.

Quick Facts

Messi scored twice in World Cup match
Messi surpassed Klose as all-time World Cup leading scorer
Messi missed penalty kick in ninth minute
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0
Argentina advanced to knockout stages

Lionel Messi etched his name into World Cup history on June 22, 2026, scoring twice to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas, securing their progression to the knockout stages. The 38-year-old's brace elevated him to 18 World Cup goals, surpassing both Germany's Miroslav Klose (16 goals) and Brazil's Marta (17 goals in women's World Cups) as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.

Messi's first goal arrived in the 38th minute after a clever dummy by Thiago Almada allowed Facundo Medina's low cross to reach him, and he swept a left-footed finish beyond Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. The moment marked his 17th World Cup goal, moving him clear of Klose's men's record. His second goal came in the 98th minute, when he reacted quickest to convert a rebound after Schlager saved his initial effort, putting the result beyond doubt. The brace was particularly remarkable given Messi's earlier miss from the penalty spot in the ninth minute—the third penalty he has failed to convert at World Cups.

At 38 years and 364 days old, Messi became only the third man to score in FIFA World Cup history after Cameroon's Roger Milla and Portugal's Pepê, and joined Milla as the only men to score 4+ goals in a single World Cup while aged 38 or older. The record-breaking achievement occurred in Dallas, a city carrying symbolic weight for Argentine football following Diego Maradona's forced departure during the 1994 World Cup. Notably, Messi's record-breaking goal came exactly 40 years to the day after Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal against England in 1986.

Messi has now accounted for seven of Argentina's last eight World Cup goals dating to 2022, demonstrating his continued dominance as a finisher despite approaching 39 years of age. In his last nine World Cup matches, he has scored or assisted in eight of nine games, compiling 12 goals and 3 assists. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni praised his captain's commitment and activation, noting that Messi's tactical role has evolved to position him as the team's primary finisher. The victory solidified Argentina's standing in the tournament and provided Messi the prospect of adding further records as the World Cup progresses.

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#2026 #soccer #Miroslav Klose #all-time top scorer #record #Argentina #Klose record #Dallas #World Cup #Austria

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Why This Matters

Messi's achievement represents a historic milestone in football that transcends generational records. At 38 years old, he has redefined longevity in elite sports while maintaining elite finishing ability—a rare combination that inspires athletes across all disciplines. For Argentina fans, this record solidifies Messi's legacy as the nation's greatest scorer across all competitions. For casual and dedicated sports followers alike, this moment illustrates how individual excellence can compound over decades, and how records once thought untouchable can be surpassed by sustained dedication. The symbolic timing—exactly 40 years after Maradona's iconic moment in the same country—adds narrative weight that resonates far beyond statistics.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 1986

Wire

Diego Maradona scores 'Hand of God' goal against England

Jan 1, 1994

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Diego Maradona expelled from USA World Cup for doping, event occurred in Dallas

Jun 23, 2026

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Xinhua publishes feature on Messi's record.

Jun 23, 2026

Wire

AP publishes article on Messi's goalscoring performance.