Lionel Messi has cemented his place as the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history, netting his 17th and 18th goals in Argentina' s group stage clash against Austria to surpass Miroslav Klose' s long-standing record of 16 goals. The 38-year-old maestro delivered a vintage performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, guiding his side to a crucial victory and etching his name into the record books once more.
The Record-Breaking Night
In a match that will be replayed for generations, Messi broke the deadlock with a trademark curling effort from the edge of the box in the 34th minute, equalling Klose' s mark of 16 World Cup goals. The Argentina captain then wrote his name into history just after the hour, coolly converting a penalty to make it 18 and seal a 2-0 win. The crowd erupted as Messi was mobbed by teammates, with the weight of the achievement clear on his face.
" It' s a dream come true," Messi said after the match. " I always wanted to leave my mark on the World Cup, and to do it with this team makes it even more special. But the most important thing is that we got the three points."
A Journey Through 18 Goals
Messi' s World Cup scoring journey began as a teenager at the 2006 tournament in Germany, and he has since represented his nation in six consecutive World Cups. His first goal came against Serbia and Montenegro that year, and he has delivered on football' s grandest stage ever since. From his stunning solo effort against Mexico in 2022 to the vital strikes in the final that same year, each goal has added another layer to an unrivaled legacy.
The brace against Austria meant Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose, who set the record across four tournaments between 2002 and 2014. Klose' s tally of 16 had stood for 12 years, with many believing it might never be broken—until Messi.
The Significance of the Record
Messi' s 18 goals are not just a personal milestone; they underscore his longevity and consistency at the highest level. While his early World Cup campaigns were often marked by frustration, he has now won the Golden Ball, lifted the trophy in 2022, and become the tournament' s top scorer. The feat also silences any remaining doubters, placing him alongside—or even above—the likes of Pelé and Diego Maradona in the pantheon of all-time greats.
Reaction and Legacy
Tributes poured in from across the football world. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain: " What more can you say about Leo? He keeps rewriting history. We are lucky to live in his era." FIFA President Gianni Infantino also hailed the achievement, calling Messi " a gift to football and to the world."
For Messi, the focus remains on the competition. With Argentina now through to the knockout stages, the possibility of a second straight World Cup triumph is very much alive—and so is the chance to add to his record tally.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi broke Miroslav Klose' s all-time World Cup scoring record with two goals against Austria.
- His 18 goals have come across six World Cup tournaments, spanning 20 years.
- The record cements Messi' s legacy as arguably the greatest footballer in history.
- Argentina secured a vital win, boosting their hopes of defending the title.
- UK viewers can watch all of Messi' s World Cup goals on BBC Sport' s digital platforms.
Quick Facts
Record: Most goals in FIFA World Cup history (18)
Previous record: Miroslav Klose – 16 goals
Messi' s World Cup tally: 18 goals in 30 matches (and counting)
Tournaments scored in: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026
First World Cup goal: vs Serbia and Montenegro, 16 June 2006
Next fixture: Argentina await their round-of-16 opponent
