Messi Breaks All-Time World Cup Scoring Record in Historic 17-Goal Milestone

Lionel Messi has officially become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history after reaching 17 goals, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose. The landmark moment came during Argentina's 2026 World Cup match against Austria on 22 June 2026, where his brace secured a place in football history.

The match began under intense expectations, as Messi entered the tournament level on 16 World Cup goals following a strong opening performance. However, the early stages of the game proved challenging when he missed a penalty and a close-range chance, momentarily delaying the record-breaking moment.

Despite the setback, the Argentina captain responded with his trademark resilience. He soon found the net from the edge of the box, a finish that not only settled nerves but also equaled Klose's long-standing record before pushing beyond it later in the match.

With his latest achievement, Messi surpassed the previous benchmark set by Miroslav Klose, who held the record after the 2014 tournament. The accomplishment adds another historic layer to a career already defined by global success, including Argentina's World Cup triumph in 2022.

Now standing alone at the top of World Cup scoring charts with 17 goals in 28 appearances, Messi continues to extend his legacy on the international stage. As Argentina progress further in the 2026 tournament, he still has opportunities to increase his record, while close competitor Kylian Mbappé remains not far behind in the all-time standings.