Lionel Messi Sets New All-Time World Cup Goal Record
Lionel Messi is now the highest-scoring player in World Cup history with 18 career goals, according to recent match data. After scoring twice against Austria in Dallas during the 2026 World Cup, the 38-year-old has secured Argentina’s spot in the knockout rounds before their final group game.
Messi entered the match having already scored a hat-trick against Algeria. His two goals against Austria bring his total for the current tournament to five. These goals pushed his career World Cup total to 18, surpassing the previous record.
How many World Cup goals does Lionel Messi have?
Messi has recorded 18 goals across his World Cup career, making him the most prolific scorer in the tournament’s history. According to the records, he surpassed Miroslav Klose, who held the previous record with 16 goals.
The current top scorers in World Cup history are:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): 18 goals
- Miroslav Klose (Germany): 16 goals
- Ronaldo (Brazil): 15 goals
- Kylian Mbappé (France): 15 goals
- Gerd Müller (Germany): 14 goals
Messi’s scoring timeline began in 2006 in Germany with one goal. He recorded zero goals in 2010, four in 2014, and one in 2018. He scored seven goals during Argentina’s title run in Qatar 2022 and has added five more in the 2026 tournament.
What happened during the Argentina vs. Austria match?
The match in Dallas featured a mixed start for Messi, who missed a penalty within the first ten minutes. Owen Hargreaves, a Fox Sports expert, stated that the stadium crowd could not believe what they saw, while TV 2 expert Simen Stamsø Møller described the attempt as “shockingly weak.”
Messi recovered before halftime, scoring his 17th career World Cup goal after receiving a cross near the 16-meter line. He added his 18th goal during overtime to secure the win.
Messi told the Argentine football federation that he was “furious” about the missed penalty but was glad to make up for it. He described the match as “very intense” and stated that the victory provides the team with “peace of soul.”
Why is Argentina already through to the knockout stage?
Argentina has secured advancement to the knockout rounds regardless of their final group game. This is due to the tournament format where eight of 12 third-place teams qualify for the next round.
According to the standings, third-place teams in Groups A, B, E, G, and H cannot reach the same point total as Argentina’s potential third-place finish. This mathematical certainty guarantees their progression.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo told Fox Sports, via Expressen, that Messi is “greater than all others.” Ronaldo noted that at 38, Messi is performing at a level that exceeds where Ronaldo was at the same age, stating he had retired four years prior and weighed 120 kilograms at that time.
What happens next for Argentina?
Argentina is scheduled to play Jordan on June 28 in their final group match. The team is likely to finish as group winners if they secure nine points.
Messi stated that the plan is to win every match, though the primary goal of qualification has already been met. He noted that the group is “living life happily” and enjoying the competition.
Olivier Giroud told the BBC that Argentina’s players have an “enormous honor” to play for Messi. Giroud suggested that the team’s respect for Messi is so high they are “ready to die on the pitch” to help him secure a second consecutive World Cup trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals has Messi scored in the 2026 World Cup so far?
Messi has scored five goals in the 2026 tournament, including a hat-trick against Algeria and two goals against Austria.
Who does Messi now lead in the all-time World Cup scoring list?
Messi leads the list with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose (16), Ronaldo (15), and Kylian Mbappé (15).
Where was the match against Austria played?
The match took place at a stadium in Dallas, USA.
How do you think Messi’s record-breaking form will influence Argentina’s path in the knockout stages?