Lionel Messi made football history on Monday by scoring his 17th career World Cup goal during Argentina’s match against Austria, moving past Germany’s Miroslav Klose to become the leading goalscorer in men’s World Cup history.
Messi scored the record-breaking goal in the 38th minute of Argentina’s Group J match against Austria in Dallas.
The Argentina captain received a pass from Facundo Medina on the left as he moved into the box and finished with a left-footed one-timer past the goalkeeper.
The goal took Messi to 17 career goals at the men’s World Cup, surpassing Klose’s record of 16, which had stood since 2014.
Missed penalty before historic moment
Messi had an early chance to break the record when Argentina were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute. However, the 38-year-old pulled his spot-kick wide of the target, delaying the historic milestone.
He recovered later in the first half to score the landmark goal and stand alone at the top of the men’s World Cup scoring chart.
Hat-trick against Algeria set up record
Messi entered the 2026 World Cup with 13 goals across five previous tournaments. He moved level with Klose after scoring a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria last week.
His strike against Austria then lifted him clear of the German great and added another major achievement to his legendary career.
Six World Cups and long journey
Messi’s World Cup journey began in 2006, when he scored only his second goal for Argentina, and his first in a non-exhibition match, against Serbia and Montenegro. He did not score at the 2010 World Cup but found the net four times at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Messi scored once at the 2018 World Cup before producing a remarkable campaign in Qatar in 2022.
Qatar glory and career milestones
At the 2022 World Cup, Messi scored seven goals as Argentina won the title, including two goals in the final victory over France. His World Cup scoring record adds to one of the most decorated careers in football history.
Messi has won more Ballon d’Or awards than any player, with eight, and also holds records for most goals in a calendar year, with 91 in 2012, most goals for a single club, with 672 for Barcelona, and most goals in La Liga history, with 474.
With his appearance against Algeria, Messi became the first player to play in six World Cups. His longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo later matched the feat during the same tournament.
Messi, who turns 39 this week, continues to extend his legacy on football’s biggest stage.
International success with Argentina
Messi’s international career began in 2005. Alongside the 2022 World Cup triumph, he led Argentina to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
He also won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Messi now stands level with Brazil legend Marta for the most goals scored in World Cup history across the men’s and women’s tournaments. Marta has scored 17 goals across six Women’s World Cup appearances.
Mbappe and Kane chasing Messi’s mark
While Messi now holds the men’s World Cup scoring record, several active stars remain in pursuit.
France forward Kylian Mbappe has 14 World Cup goals in just 15 matches after scoring twice against Senegal, and he was due to face Iraq later on Monday.
England captain Harry Kane has scored 10 goals in only 12 World Cup appearances.
Both Mbappe and Kane have scored at a higher goals-per-match rate than Messi, keeping the race for future World Cup records alive.
