Messi Breaks World Cup Scoring Record in Argentina Victory Over Austria

Lionel Messi has become the highest-scoring player in the history of the FIFA World Cup, netting his 17th career tournament goal during Argentina’s match against Austria. The 38-year-old striker broke the previous record of 16 goals, which had been held by German legend Miroslav Klose since 2014. Messi’s record-breaking goal arrived in the 38th minute with a precise left-footed shot that bypassed Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

The achievement followed a missed opportunity in the opening minutes of the contest. Argentina had been awarded a penalty kick after a foul on Lautaro Martinez, but Messi slid his attempt wide to the right. This marked the first time Messi had missed a penalty in the World Cup since failing to convert against Poland during the 2022 group stage.

Messi had previously tied Klose’s record of 16 goals with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria to open the 2026 tournament. That match also marked Messi’s 200th appearance for the national team, making him the first player to participate in six different World Cups. Klose had accumulated his 16 goals across four tournaments between 2002 and 2014, including five goals in both 2002 and 2006, four in 2010, and two in 2014.

Messi’s World Cup scoring journey began in 2006 when he was 18 years old, scoring against Serbia and Montenegro in a 6-0 win. He went scoreless in 2010, scored four goals in 2014 as Argentina reached the final, and netted one goal in 2018 before his seven-goal performance in 2022, which culminated in Argentina winning the tournament.

While Messi currently stands alone at the top of the all-time list, France’s Kylian Mbappé is identified as a potential future challenger. The 27-year-old French forward has already scored 14 World Cup goals, including a brace in France’s opener. Analysts note that Mbappé could potentially surpass Messi’s tally during the current tournament or in the 2030 World Cup.