Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina advance to round of 32

Lionel Messi has cemented his status as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, reaching 18 goals during Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in the 2026 tournament. The result, secured at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before a crowd of approximately 70,000 spectators, confirms Argentina’s progression to the round of 32. The 39-year-old captain scored in the 38th and 95th minutes, breaking the previous record of 16 goals held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni highlighted the tactical shift in his captain’s role, noting that Messi’s contribution extends beyond goal-scoring. “Today, when the team was struggling without possession, he put in the work,” Scaloni said, praising the captain’s commitment. Scaloni has structured the squad’s ecosystem to allow Messi to operate with greater efficiency, a strategy that acknowledges the veteran’s evolved playing style while maintaining competitive rigour.

Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick observed that Messi’s reduced legwork in counter-pressing has paradoxically increased his threat. Rangnick noted that Messi now prefers to position himself in free space, often near the offside line, forcing opponents to remain vigilant during transition moments. This assessment was validated when Messi ambled into an unmarked position in the 38th minute, receiving a pass from Facundo Medina to open the scoring with a trademark strike.

The match followed a period of missed opportunities, with Messi previously seeing a penalty saved and being denied by Austria captain David Alaba on two subsequent occasions. However, his persistence paid off in the fifth minute of injury time, where he squeezed the ball home despite defensive pressure. This second goal marked his fifth in the current tournament, following a hat-trick against Algeria in the group stage opener, which represented his first World Cup treble.

Journalist Guillem Balague has described Messi’s current iteration as a reinvention, noting that while he walks more than he runs, his spatial awareness remains superior. This evolution allows the defending champions to dominate games without relying on the high-intensity running of his earlier career. With France’s Kylian Mbappé currently level on 16 World Cup goals, Messi’s record stands alone as he continues to redefine the longevity of elite performance in international football.