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Jun 23, 2026 Major4
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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
Who
Lionel Messi
What
Messi scored twice in World Cup match
When
June 22, 2026
Where
Dallas
- 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.
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
WireDiego Maradona scores 'Hand of God' goal against England
Jan 1, 1994
WireDiego Maradona expelled from USA World Cup for doping, event occurred in Dallas
Jan 1, 2006
WireMessi scores his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro.
Jan 1, 2006
WireMessi scores his first World Cup goal in Germany
Jan 1, 2014
WireMiroslav Klose sets men's World Cup scoring record with 16 goals
Jan 1, 2022
WireArgentina wins the World Cup in Qatar, with Messi scoring in the final.
Jan 1, 2022
WireMessi wins FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar; scores 7 goals
Jun 22, 2026
WireMatch between Argentina and Austria begins in Dallas.
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi misses penalty kick in ninth minute
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi misses a penalty, hitting the ball wide.
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi scores his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Klose's record.
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi scores again in stoppage time to make it 2-0.
Jun 22, 2026
WireMatch ends; Argentina qualifies for the next round.
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi scores first goal in 38th minute after Facundo Medina assist; surpasses Klose's 16-goal record with 17th goal
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi scores second goal in 98th minute from rebound; reaches 18 World Cup goals, all-time record
Jun 22, 2026
WireArgentina defeats Austria 2-0; advances to knockout stages
Jun 23, 2026
WireXinhua publishes feature on Messi's record.
Jun 23, 2026
WireAP publishes article on Messi's goalscoring performance.
Entities
Sources
- Mundial Argentina Messi Goleador 0ecc65770d053ca6c69b294930a7c679apWireJun 23, 2026
- Irrepressible Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina beat AustriaThe GuardianMediaJun 22, 2026
- Feature: Messi's date with historyxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026
- FIFA World Cup 2026 stats: Messi's all-time record 18; Mbappe equals Klose with 16, sets record with 100ESPNMediaJun 23, 2026