Lionel Messi Breaks World Cup Goals Record With Historic Strike Against Austria

Jun 22, 2026: Lionel Messi has added another remarkable achievement to his legendary career by becoming the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The Argentina captain scored his 17th World Cup goal during his side's Group J clash against Austria on Monday, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals.

The historic moment came in the 38th minute when Messi found the back of the net to give Argentina the lead. Earlier in the match, the 38-year-old had missed a penalty, but he quickly made amends by creating a new chapter in World Cup history.

Messi entered the 2026 World Cup with 13 goals from five previous editions of the tournament. He matched Klose's record with a stunning hat-trick in Argentina's opening 3-0 victory over Algeria before breaking it against Austria. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently playing in his sixth World Cup, which could also be the final World Cup appearance of his illustrious career.

A Journey of Excellence Across Six World Cups

Messi's World Cup journey began in 2006 when he scored against Serbia and Montenegro, registering his first goal at football's biggest tournament. Although he failed to score during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he bounced back strongly in 2014, scoring four goals and guiding Argentina to the final.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Messi scored once before delivering one of the greatest campaigns of his career in Qatar in 2022. He scored seven goals during Argentina's title-winning run, including two goals in the dramatic final against France.

The latest record is another addition to a career already filled with historic achievements. Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or awards with eight, the most goals scored in a calendar year with 91 in 2012, the most goals for a single club with 672 for Barcelona, and the most goals in La Liga history with 474.

🚨🇦🇷 OFFICIAL: LEO MESSI IS WORLD CUP TOP SCORER EVER WITH 17 GOALS. 🌎🤩 pic.twitter.com/WhUddnewOY

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2026

His appearance against Algeria also made him the first footballer to play in six FIFA World Cups. Later in the tournament, longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo matched that achievement.

Messi's success with Argentina extends beyond the World Cup. Since making his international debut in 2005, he has led his country to Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, while also helping Argentina win the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Can Anyone Break Messi's New Record?

While Messi's tally of 17 World Cup goals highlights his extraordinary longevity and consistency, several current stars could challenge the record in the coming years.

France forward Kylian Mbappé already has 14 World Cup goals from just 15 matches and remains one of the strongest candidates to surpass the mark. England captain Harry Kane is also in the race, having scored 10 goals in only 12 World Cup appearances.

Interestingly, both Mbappé and Kane currently boast a better goals-per-match ratio at the World Cup than Messi. However, matching the Argentine's longevity and ability to perform across six different tournaments will be a difficult task.

Lionel Messi's World Cup goals (so far) ⬇️

1⃣ - Argentina vs Serbia and Montenegro - 2006
2⃣ - Argentina vs Bosnia and Herzegovina - 2014
3⃣ - Argentina vs Iran - 2014
4⃣ & 5⃣ - Argentina vs Nigeria - 2014
6⃣ - Argentina vs Nigeria - 2018
7⃣ - Argentina vs Saudi Arabia - 2022… pic.twitter.com/ofpJMB69ok

— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) June 22, 2026

Argentina are also chasing another piece of history at the 2026 World Cup. After lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, Messi and his teammates are aiming to become only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, joining Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).

For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Messi. With his record-breaking 17th World Cup goal, the Argentine legend has once again proven why he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers the game has ever seen.