Lionel Messi has cemented his status as the greatest footballer in history by breaking the all-time World Cup goalscoring record during Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. The 39-year-old superstar netted twice to take his career World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing the previous record of 16 held by Germany's Miroslav Klose since 2014. The match, played on June 22 in the United States, delivered yet another unforgettable chapter in Messi's extraordinary career.
Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a trademark piece of brilliance, weaving past two defenders before slotting the ball into the far corner of the net. The goal, his 17th in World Cup competition, drew him level with and then past Marta's combined men's and women's record of 17 World Cup goals. The stadium erupted as fans witnessed history being made, with Argentine supporters chanting his name long after the ball hit the net.
The record-breaking 18th goal came later in the match, as Messi sealed the victory with a composed finish that showcased the clinical precision that has defined his legendary career. The strike also extended his remarkable run to six consecutive World Cup matches with a goal, a streak that stretches back to the latter stages of the 2022 tournament in Qatar where Argentina claimed the title.
As the defending champions from their triumphant 2022 campaign, Argentina entered this tournament with Messi leading the charge in what many believe will be his farewell World Cup. At 39 years of age, the forward continues to defy expectations and the passage of time, delivering performances that rival the very best of his prime years. His two goals against Austria have put the team in a commanding position in their group.
The footballing world reacted with awe and admiration. Former players, coaches, and pundits across the globe praised Messi's achievement as a fitting milestone for a player who has spent more than two decades redefining what is possible on a football pitch. Many noted that surpassing both Klose and Marta in a single match only adds to the poetic nature of the accomplishment.
For Argentina, the result provides the perfect platform to build upon as they seek to defend their World Cup crown on American soil. The team looked sharp and cohesive, with Messi at the heart of every attacking move. The victory sends a clear message to the rest of the tournament that the champions remain a formidable force.
Whether or not this proves to be Messi's final World Cup, his 18-goal record stands as a monument to sustained brilliance at the highest level of international football. No player in the history of the tournament has scored more, and given the relentless march of time, it may be a record that endures for generations to come.
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