Lionel Messi Becomes World Cup's All-Time Top Scorer

Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history by scoring his 17th goal during Argentina’s match against Austria. According to match reports, the strike surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals, which had stood since 2014.

How did Lionel Messi break the World Cup goal record?

Messi secured the record in the 38th minute of the match in Arlington, Texas. He scored with a left-footed volley following a cross from Facundo Medina. The play developed after Thiago Almada allowed the ball to pass between his legs, setting up the Argentinian captain.

This goal follows a hat-trick Messi recorded the previous week against Algeria, which Argentina won 3-0. That performance had previously brought him level with the German record.

Did you know? Despite the record-breaking goal, Messi missed a penalty earlier in the Austria match. According to statistician Opta, this is his third missed penalty in seven World Cup attempts (excluding shootouts).

Who are the top goalscorers in World Cup history?

Messi now sits alone at the top of the all-time list. The gap between the top five scorers remains narrow, with several players still active in international competition.

Based on current tournament data, the ranking stands as follows:

Lionel Messi (Argentina): 17 goals
Miroslav Klose (Germany): 16 goals
Ronaldo (Brazil): 15 goals
Gerd Müller (Germany): 14 goals
Kylian Mbappé (France): 14 goals

What other records does Messi hold in the tournament?

Beyond goals, Messi has set a benchmark for longevity and appearance. The match against Austria marked his 28th World Cup game, a new tournament record. He’s the first player to appear in six different World Cups, having played in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Messi will turn 39 this Wednesday, extending the age range of elite performance at the highest level of international football.

Can Kylian Mbappé overtake the record?

Kylian Mbappé currently trails Messi by three goals. The French captain is playing in his third World Cup in North America and remains the most likely candidate to challenge the record.

Mbappé’s 14 goals put him tied with Gerd Müller for fourth place. Because Mbappé is significantly younger than Messi, he has a higher statistical probability of increasing his tally over future tournaments.

Pro Tip for Analysts: When tracking goal records, distinguish between goals scored in regulation time and those scored in penalty shootouts. Official FIFA records, as cited by Opta, only count goals scored during the match or in extra-time penalty shootouts as part of the game’s score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who holds the record for most World Cup goals?

Lionel Messi holds the record with 17 goals.

Lionel Messi Scores First Career HAT TRICK in FIFA World Cup™ 🇦🇷 Ties Most Goals at Men's World Cup™

How many World Cups has Lionel Messi played in?

Messi has appeared in six World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026.

Who did Messi surpass to become the top scorer?

He surpassed the German striker Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals.

How many World Cup matches has Messi played?

As of the match against Austria, Messi has played 28 World Cup matches.

What do you think? Will Kylian Mbappé eventually break Messi’s record, or has the Argentinian set a mark that will stand for decades? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more sports data analysis.

Lionel Messi Becomes World Cup’s All-Time Top Scorer