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Messi becomes all-time World Cup top scorer as Argentina beat Austria 2-0
Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with two goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals. The 39-year-old captain has now scored 18 goals in six tournaments, including 12 since turning 35, and has led Argentina to two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup since reversing his international retirement in 2016.





Quick Facts
Who
Lionel Messi
What
Messi became the all-time World Cup top scorer with two goals against Austria
When
2026-06-22
Where
Argentina vs Austria match
- Messi became the all-time World Cup top scorer with two goals against Austria
- He scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals
- He missed a penalty in the eighth minute
- He has scored in six consecutive World Cup matches
- He has scored all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament
Lionel Messi has written another chapter in football history by becoming the outright top scorer in World Cup tournaments, netting both goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday. The 39-year-old captain, who had earlier missed a penalty, scored his 17th World Cup goal with a low strike to surpass Germany's Miroslav Klose, then added an 18th in stoppage time from a tight angle. The match took place 40 years to the day since Diego Maradona scored twice against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals. Messi is now the all-time leading scorer across men's World Cup tournaments, with 18 goals in 28 games. He is appearing at his sixth World Cup and has scored in six consecutive matches, joining an exclusive group that includes France's Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil's Jairzinho (1970). All five of Argentina's goals at this tournament have come from Messi. His performance drew praise from commentators, with BBC's Steve Bower calling it "another immortal Messi moment". Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague noted that Messi now plays with intelligence rather than pace, saying: "He doesn't even need explosive pace to beat defenders, he just does it with intelligence." Argentina, already guaranteed a place in the last 32, will face Jordan next.
Messi's international career nearly ended a decade ago after Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years. In 2016, following defeat to Chile in the Copa America final where he missed a penalty in the shootout, Messi announced his retirement from the national team. "For me, the national team is over," he said at the time. "I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion." However, he reversed that decision and has since led Argentina to two consecutive Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup, where he scored seven goals including two in the final. Since turning 35, Messi has scored 12 of his 18 World Cup goals. Remarkably, four of his tournament goals have come from outside the box, and all but two have been struck with his left foot.
Balague described Messi's longevity as remarkable: "I have seen him play World Cups where he couldn't last 90 minutes. Here at the end, he was running like anyone else, now he knows his body so well." Former Wales defender Ashley Williams questioned on BBC One: "Are we looking at the greatest player ever? It's possible and definitely worth the debate." Messi himself reflected on the joy of performing: "I enjoy playing and having a good time on the pitch," he said. "We enjoy seeing the people like this too, being able to give them this kind of joy."
Why This Matters
Messi's record reinforces his case as the greatest player in football history, and his sustained excellence—especially after nearly retiring—provides a powerful narrative of resilience. For readers interested in sports analytics, his shift from explosive pace to intelligent positioning offers a case study in adapting playing style with age.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2016
WireMessi announced retirement from international football after Copa America final loss to Chile
Jan 1, 2016
WireMessi reversed his international retirement
Jan 1, 2022
WireMessi led Argentina to World Cup victory, scoring seven goals
Jun 22, 2026
WireMessi became all-time World Cup top scorer with two goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria
Jun 22, 2026
WireMatch held on the 40th anniversary of Maradona's two goals against England in 1986