Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into football history on Monday, becoming the highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history after netting twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria and guiding the defending champions into the knockout rounds of the 2026 tournament.

The Argentine captain surpassed German legend Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16 goals, taking his World Cup tally to 18. Messi had entered the match level with Klose after scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria.

Despite missing an early penalty against Austria, the 39-year-old recovered in style. He broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a composed curling finish from a cutback before sealing the victory with a late second goal in front of a jubilant crowd in Dallas.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J

According to ESPN India, Messi’s latest milestone also moved him past Brazilian icon Marta, who scored 17 goals across Women’s World Cup tournaments, making the Argentine the outright leading scorer in World Cup history.

The victory secured Argentina’s place in the knockout phase and extended Messi’s remarkable scoring streak to six consecutive World Cup matches dating back to the 2022 tournament.

“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said after the match.

Twenty years after scoring his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, Messi continues to rewrite football’s record books. He is also the first player to appear in six editions of the men’s World Cup.

The two goals lifted Messi’s international tally to 122 for Argentina, leaving him second only to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 143 goals in men’s international football.

Argentina’s triumph also helped Messi claim another landmark achievement, the most victories by any player in men’s World Cup history.

“Beyond anything, I'm so happy for the win,” Messi said. “It was huge, tough and difficult. It allows us to be relaxed about what's ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I'm enjoying this moment and enjoying it with my teammates.”

Later on Monday, France star Kylian Mbappé scored twice in a 3-0 win over Iraq, drawing level with Klose on 16 World Cup goals and moving into joint second place on the all-time scoring list.

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