Lionel Messi becomes all-time World Cup top scorer as Argentina beats Austria

Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina's 2‑0 victory over Austria on 22 June 2026, raising his World Cup tally to 18 goals and surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose (16) to become the tournament’s all‑time leading scorer. The brace took Messi's total to five goals in the 2026 edition, keeping Argentina atop Group J and setting up a group‑stage clash with Jordan in Dallas later in the month.

Celebrating his 39th birthday during the tournament, Messi told reporters he will continue playing "as long as I can help, feel fit and be useful for my teammates," leaving open the possibility of competing at the 2030 World Cup. His performances inspired admiration from opponents; Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu called him "almost a super‑man, in another dimension," while Sweden’s Graham Potter said "there is no tactic to stop him."

Messi’s record‑breaking feats add to a career that already includes seven World Cup appearances, multiple Ballon d’Or wins and over 900 career goals, cementing his status as football’s most decorated player.