Lionel Messi became the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer on Monday, netting a sensational brace to carry Argentina to a 2-0 win over Austria in their Group J fixture at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The 38-year-old entered the game level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals and had the chance to claim the record as early as the eighth minute when Argentina were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Messi stepped up but sent his effort wide — his third missed spot-kick in World Cup history, and the last sign of him still being a human, 39-year-old footballer at the biggest stage.
He made no such mistake in the 38th minute. He started a flowing move near the halfway like and worked the ball out to Medina on the left
flank, who advanced before squaring it back to the edge of the box. Then, arriving at pace, he curled a left-footed finish into the far corner past Alexander Schlager. The record was his alone, 17 World Cup goals. Watch it here:
NOW – Lionel Messi becomes the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
17 — Lionel Messi 🇦🇷
16 — Miroslav Klose 🇩🇪
15 — Ronaldo 🇧🇷
14 — Gerd Müller 🇩🇪
14 — Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/iSKmk300bX— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) June 22, 2026
Austria offered little in response. The half ended 1-0, with Schlager scarcely tested and the Austrian attack unable to sustain any meaningful pressure through the second period.
Argentina made a series of substitutions and, with the game seemingly safe, Messi added a second deep into stoppage time that was as untidy as the first was elegant. The number 10 was found furthermost on the counter with Austria trying for a late equaliser, and sent a beautiful switch to the other flank.
After Julian Alvarez’s effort was parried by Schlager, the ball broke to Leandro Paredes, who found Messi to his right, in the box. Surrounded by five defenders, he forced two attempts — the first was blocked, but the second trickled in to make it 2-0 and extend his tournament tally to 18 goals and five for the tournament.
Watch it here:
— MessiWorldHQ (@MessiWorld26HD) June 22, 2026
The result confirms Argentina’s place in the Round of 32. Messi continues to singlehandedly lead his country’s defense.
