Tech
Jun 22, 2026 Major2
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Messi Sets World Cup All-Time Scoring Record with 17 Goals
Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 17 goals after scoring twice against Austria on June 22, 2026, breaking Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 goals. The 38-year-old Argentine captain's achievement has drawn praise from teammates as he continues to dominate the 2026 World Cup scoring race.
Quick Facts
Who
Lionel Messi
What
Messi scored two goals against Austria
When
June 22, 2026
Where
Dallas
- Messi scored two goals against Austria
- Messi broke Klose's all-time World Cup goal record
- Messi became sole leader of 2026 World Cup scoring race
- Mbappé matched Klose's record with 16 goals
- Messi scored hat-trick against Algeria in first round
Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 goals. The 38-year-old Argentine forward achieved the milestone during the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Austria on June 22, scoring twice in a 2-0 victory in Dallas. His 17th goal broke Klose's record that had stood since 2014, while his 18th goal extended his historic tally further.
Messi has now scored four goals at the 2026 tournament, including a hat-trick in the opening round against Algeria. Playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer since 2023, Messi is competing in his sixth World Cup. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is the sole leader of the 2026 World Cup scoring race. His achievement prompted teammate Julián Álvarez to declare that Messi deserves recognition as the greatest footballer in history, noting that despite his age, he continues to demonstrate exceptional talent and perform at the highest level.
Following Messi's record-breaking performance, French forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice against Iraq to match Klose's previous record of 16 goals, placing him in second place alongside the German legend. The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams for the first time in tournament history, is being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the tournament concluding on July 19. Argentina's next group stage match is scheduled for June 27 against Jordan.
Why This Matters
Messi's record-breaking achievement represents a historic milestone in football, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greatest players. For fans and analysts, this record underscores how elite athletes can maintain peak performance into their late 30s, challenging conventional wisdom about athletic decline with age. The record's significance extends beyond statistics—it reflects Argentina's competitive strength in the tournament and raises questions about who might break Messi's mark in future World Cups.