Messi Rewrites World Cup History with Record-Breaking 18th Goal
Four decades after Diego Maradona mesmerised the football world, another Argentine icon has carved his name deeper into history. Lionel Messi has become the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after netting his 17th and 18th goals during Argentina’s victory over Austria at the 2026 tournament.
The 38-year-old superstar moved past German legend Miroslav Klose, who had held the men’s record of 16 goals since 2014, and also surpassed Brazilian women’s great Marta to stand alone at the summit of World Cup scoring.
All-Time FIFA World Cup Goalscorers
Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 18 goals
Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 16 goals
Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) — 15 goals
Messi’s latest feat came just days before his 39th birthday. After missing an early penalty, the Argentine captain responded with two goals to seal a 2-0 win over Austria and book Argentina’s place in the knockout rounds.
Twenty years after making his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006, Messi continues to defy age and expectations.
