Lionel Messi has become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.
The 38-year-old forward took his World Cup tally to 18 goals, moving ahead of Miroslav Klose, whose previous record of 16 goals had stood for years. Messi had already matched Klose’s total after netting a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening game of the 2026 tournament against Algeria.
Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute with one of his trademark curling strikes from outside the box, putting Argentina ahead in their second match of the competition.
The breakthrough came shortly after the Argentine captain missed from the penalty spot, sending his effort wide after Lautaro Martínez was fouled inside the Austrian penalty area.
He later added his second goal deep into stoppage time to secure the win and confirm Argentina’s qualification for the round of 32.
Among active players, only Kylian Mbappé remains within reach of Messi’s milestone, currently sitting on 14 World Cup goals.
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Other football legends on the all-time list include Ronaldo Nazário with 15 goals and Gerd Müller with 14, while Pelé and Just Fontaine also remain among the tournament’s greatest scorers.
Messi is also making history with his sixth World Cup appearance, matching the tournament appearance record shared by Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa.