Messi tops World Cup 2026 scoring chart as Argentina, France and Norway reach round of 16

Lionel Messi became the all‑time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history by netting two goals in Argentina's 2‑0 victory over Austria, securing the South American side's place in the round of 16. France also qualified with a 3‑0 win over Iraq, highlighted by a double from Kylian Mbappé, while Norway advanced after a 3‑2 triumph over Senegal, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.

The tournament's top‑scorer list now shows Messi with five goals, followed by Haaland, Mbappé and Brazil’s Vinícius Jr with four each. A group of players, including Brazil’s Matheus Cunha, Canada’s David, Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi and Morocco’s Saïbari, sit on three goals.

These results shape the early leaderboard for the 2026 World Cup and determine the teams moving on to the knockout stage.