FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi Becomes World Cup’s All-Time Leading Goalscorer With Historic Strike Against Austria. Lionel Messi produced another magical moment at the FIFA 2026 World Cup on Monday. The Argentina captain became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer. Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal against Austria in Dallas, Texas. The strike moved him past Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals.
Messi entered the match level with Klose after his hat-trick against Algeria. The 38-year-old had scored in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes against Algeria. That hat-trick was his first in FIFA World Cup history. It also came in his 200th international appearance for Argentina. Messi became the first men’s player to feature in six World Cups. The record-breaking match against Austria began dramatically.
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Messi Missed Penalty
Argentina were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute after a VAR review. An Austrian defender was judged to have fouled an Argentine attacker inside the box. Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick. The Argentine superstar dragged his effort wide of the post. The miss denied him an immediate opportunity to break the record. However, Messi quickly recovered from the disappointment. Argentina continued dominating possession and creating chances.
Rodrigo De Paul controlled the midfield with his passing. Thiago Almada played a crucial role in the attack. The historic moment arrived in the 38th minute. Argentina produced a flowing move around Austria’s penalty area. Almada cleverly allowed the ball to run into Messi’s path. Messi collected possession and advanced towards the goal. The Inter Miami forward then unleashed a clinical left-footed finish. The ball flew beyond the Austrian goalkeeper and into the net. The goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead. More importantly, it made Messi the greatest World Cup goalscorer ever.
World Cup All-Time Top Scorers
| Rank | Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 17 |
| 2 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 16 |
| 3 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | 15 |
| 4 | Gerd Müller | Germany | 14 |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 14 |
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Messi now has four goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina remains among the favourites to retain their world title. With more matches still ahead, Messi could extend his record further.