Lionel Messi's brace against Austria did more than seal Argentina's place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages. It completed a record 20-year journey that has seen the Argentine icon evolve from a teenage prodigy into the greatest goalscorer in men's World Cup history.
The 38-year-old struck twice in Dallas to move past Germany legend Miroslav Klose's tally of 16 goals and become the first men's player to score 18 goals at the FIFA World Cup. In doing so, Messi also surpassed Brazilian great Marta's record of 17 goals across men's and women's World Cups.
From his first goal as an 18-year-old in Germany in 2006 to his latest strike in the United States in 2026, here's a look at every World Cup goal scored by Argentina's captain.
Germany 2006: A Star Announces Himself
Messi's World
Cup story began in Germany, where he became one of the youngest goalscorers in tournament history.
Goal 1
- vs Serbia and Montenegro (Group Stage)
- Minute: 88'
- Result: Argentina 6-0 Serbia and Montenegro
Coming off the bench, the teenager capped a dazzling cameo with his first World Cup goal, offering the world a glimpse of what was to come.
Brazil 2014: Messi Carries Argentina To The Final
After failing to score in South Africa four years earlier, Messi responded with his finest group-stage campaign.
Goal 2
- vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group Stage)
- Minute: 65'
Goal 3
- vs Iran (Group Stage)
- Minute:90+1'
Goal 4
- vs Nigeria (Group Stage)
- Minute: 3'
Goal 5
- vs Nigeria (Group Stage)
- Minute: 45+1'
His four goals helped Argentina top the group before eventually reaching the final, where they lost to Germany after extra time.
Russia 2018: A Lone Bright Spot
Argentina endured a turbulent tournament, but Messi still delivered when his team needed him most.
Goal 6
- vs Nigeria (Group Stage)
- Minute:14'
A sublime first touch and finish kept Argentina's qualification hopes alive and remains one of the most iconic goals of his World Cup career.
Qatar 2022: The Road To Glory
The crowning achievement of Messi's career came in Qatar, where he inspired Argentina to its first World Cup title in 36 years.
Goal 7
- vs Saudi Arabia (Group Stage)
- Minute: 10' (Penalty)
Goal 8
- vs Mexico (Group Stage)
- Minute: 64'
Goal 9
- vs Australia (Round of 16)
- Minute 35:'
Goal 10
- vs Netherlands (Quarter-final)
- Minute:73' (Penalty)
Goal 11
- vs Croatia (Semi-final)
- Minute: 34' (Penalty)
Goal 12
- vs France (Final)
- Minute: 23' (Penalty)
Goal 13
- vs France (Final)
- Minute: 108'
Seven goals, countless magical moments and, finally, the World Cup trophy.
USA, Canada & Mexico 2026: Breaking The Ultimate Record
At an age when most players have long retired from international football, Messi has continued to rewrite history.
Goals 14, 15 and 16
- vs Algeria (Group Stage)
- Result: Hat-trick
Messi opened his 2026 campaign with a stunning hat-trick against Algeria, equalling Klose's long-standing record of 16 goals.
Goal 17
- vs Austria (Group Stage)
- Minute: 38'
The strike that made him the outright leading scorer in men's World Cup history.
Goal 18
- vs Austria (Group Stage)
- Minute: 90+5'
A stoppage-time goal that put further daylight between himself and every player who has ever appeared at the tournament.
Messi's World Cup Goals By Tournament
| World Cup | Goals |
|---|---|
| Germany 2006 | 1 |
| South Africa 2010 | 0 |
| Brazil 2014 | 4 |
| Russia 2018 | 1 |
| Qatar 2022 | 7 |
| USA/Canada/Mexico 2026 | 5 |
| Total | 18 |
The Record-Breaking Numbers
Messi's rise to the summit has been built on extraordinary longevity.
- World Cup appearances: 28 (record)
- World Cup goals: 18 (record)
- World Cups played: 6
- World Cup titles: 1 (2022)
- Years between first and latest World Cup goal: 20
From scoring as a teenager against Serbia and Montenegro to breaking the all-time record at 38 years old against Austria, Messi's World Cup journey spans two decades, six tournaments and now a place at the very top of football history.
