Messi overtakes Klose to become World Cup’s all-time leading scorer
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward surpassed Germany’s Miroslav Klose during the 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture in Arlington, Texas.
Lionel Messi has secured his place in football history as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup tournaments, netting his 17th career goal during Argentina’s Group J match against Austria. The milestone was achieved in the 38th minute of the 2026 World Cup fixture held in Arlington, Texas, where the 38-year-old Inter Miami forward scored a left-footed curler.
The goal saw Messi overtake Germany’s Miroslav Klose to claim the record, a shift described by BBC Sport as a "brilliant finish". The achievement marks a significant statistical milestone in international football, extending Messi’s scoring legacy on the global stage as the reigning world champions continue their campaign.
Argentina entered the fixture aiming to secure their place in the knockout stages, with the match representing a critical juncture in their group campaign. Austria, who had previously secured a victory against Jordan, faced the defending champions in a contest that carried significant weight for both teams’ progression prospects.
While the exact final score of the match was not provided in the initial reports, the individual achievement stands as a definitive moment in the tournament. Messi’s performance underscores his enduring impact on the sport, even as he navigates the later stages of his international career.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted across North America, has already seen historic moments unfold, with this record-breaking goal highlighting the continued relevance of veteran players in modern international competition. Argentina’s focus now shifts to consolidating their position in Group J as they look to advance further in the tournament.
