Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career on Monday, becoming the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria.
The Argentine captain entered the match tied with German great Miroslav Klose on 16 goals and Brazilian women’s football icon Marta on 17 overall World Cup goals. His first strike in the 38th minute brought him level with Marta’s mark, and a second goal deep into stoppage time gave him a record-breaking 18th World Cup goal, putting him alone at the summit of football’s grandest stage.
Messi’s opening goal came after a precise pass from Facundo Medina, which the Argentine superstar struck first time into the bottom corner beyond Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. His second goal in the 95th minute demonstrated the persistence that has defined his career, as he converted on a rebound after his initial effort was blocked.
The achievement further cements Messi’s status among the greatest players in football history. Since making his World Cup debut in 2006, the Argentine legend has scored in every tournament except the 2010 edition and famously led his country to the World Cup title in 2022, where he netted seven goals. He has now added four more goals during the 2026 tournament.
Messi also holds Argentina’s all-time scoring record with 122 international goals and owns the record for the most appearances in World Cup matches, with 27 and counting.
While Messi currently sits alone atop the scoring charts, another superstar is rapidly climbing the list. France’s Kylian Mbappé, still only 27, has already amassed 14 World Cup goals in just 15 appearances. After starring in France’s 2018 triumph and scoring a memorable hat trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, Mbappé appears poised to challenge Messi’s record in the years ahead.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Messi. With yet another record shattered and Argentina still alive in the tournament, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to redefine greatness and strengthen his claim as the greatest player the game has ever seen.