Lionel Messi turned near-heartbreak into history Monday, June 22, 2026. Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 at Dallas Stadium, and Messi scored both goals to become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history.
His first goal in the 38th minute was classic Messi – a left-footed finish from Facundo Medina’s cross. That took him to 17 goals, past Miroslav Klose’s record of 16. His stoppage-time strike in 90+5 made it 18.
But the night began with drama. Messi missed a 9th-minute penalty, dragging his left-footed shot wide right. It was his third penalty miss in seven World Cup attempts.
Breaking Klose, Then Marta
Messi entered the 2026 tournament on 13 World Cup goals. A hat-trick against Algeria took him to 16, level with Klose. The Austria brace took him past Klose and then past Brazil legend Marta, who held the all-time World Cup record across men’s and women’s tournaments with 17 goals.
Marta saluted him on Instagram with clapping emojis after the record fell.
Six Tournaments, Six Consecutive Matches
At 38, turning 39 on June 24, Messi is defying age. He is now the only player to score in six World Cup tournaments, starting with his first goal in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro.
The Austria brace also made it six consecutive World Cup matches with a goal, matching France’s Just Fontaine in 1958 and Brazil’s Jairzinho in 1970.
Argentina March to Knockouts
The 2-0 win put defending champions Argentina on six points from two Group J matches, enough to reach the Round of 32 with a game to spare. Messi now has five goals in this tournament alone.“I’m very tired,” Messi said after the match. “I’m very happy with the win. This was a hugely important victory”.
Kylian Mbappé is next on the active list with 14 World Cup goals. But for now, the record – and the crown – belongs to Messi.
Dallas witnessed history. The GOAT debate? Messi just settled it.
