the greatest player

Lionel Messi becomes FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer with a historic goal against Austria

The goal was the 17th World Cup goal of Messi's remarkable career

Messi will be celebrating his 39th birthday at the end of the month

JUNE 22, 2026 1:40 PM EDTJUN 22, 2026, 1:40 PM EDT

Lionel Messi has rewritten football history once again. The Argentina captain became the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer after netting his fourth goal of the 2026 tournament, moving past Germany legend Miroslav Klose and claiming sole possession of one of the sport's most prestigious records.

The goal was the 17th World Cup goal of Messi's remarkable career, surpassing Klose's long-standing mark of 16 and further cementing his place among the greatest players the game has ever seen.

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland.

Messi arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 13 career goals across five previous tournaments. Having already become the first player to appear in six men's World Cups, the Argentine superstar entered the competition with another piece of history within reach.

Now he owns it.

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The record-breaking moment sparked celebrations among Argentina supporters and football fans around the world, many of whom have followed Messi's World Cup journey from his debut as a teenager in Germany in 2006 to his status as defending world champion in North America.

Messi scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 before adding crucial goals in Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022. His seven-goal performance in Qatar helped Argentina lift the trophy and complete the one major achievement that had eluded him throughout his career.

Lionel Messi took his team to victory in 2022

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi scored 3 points during Argentina Vs. Algeria match. A week later, he scored against Austria, making history as the all-time leading scorer at the Dallas Stadium during the first match of the day on June 22.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina is seen in the tunnel before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026.

Yet even after winning the World Cup, Messi continued to chase history.

His latest goal means he now stands alone at the top of the World Cup scoring charts, ahead of some of the biggest names football has ever produced, including Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo Nazário, Gerd Müller, and Pelé.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session.

Most Goals in FIFA World Cup History

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 17 (as of this writing)
Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16
Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) – 15
Gerd Müller (Germany) – 14
Just Fontaine (France) – 13
Pelé (Brazil) – 12

The achievement is particularly significant because across six World Cups, he has consistently delivered on football's biggest stage, producing goals, assists, and defining moments for Argentina.

Captains David Alaba #8 of Austria and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina pose with match officials at the coin toss before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria

While records often fall, some seem untouchable.

Klose's mark of 16 goals stood as the benchmark for more than a decade. Messi has now raised that standard and could potentially extend it further as Argentina continues its campaign.

At 38 years old, the Inter Miami star continues to demonstrate the vision, intelligence, and finishing ability that have defined his career. For Argentina, the focus remains on defending the title won in Qatar.

But regardless of what happens next in the tournament, he has already achieved something no player in World Cup history has managed before.

Until further notice, the greatest tournament in football now has a new all-time leading scorer. And his name is Lionel Messi.