Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA Men’s World Cup history on Monday after breaking Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record by scoring his 17th and 18th tournament goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria.
The 38-year-old once again proved decisive for the reigning world champions as Argentina secured victory in their Group J clash in Dallas and booked their place in the Round of 32.
Klose, who featured at four World Cups for Germany, set the previous record of 16 goals during Germany’s victorious 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil. Messi, who was on the losing side in that final, rewrote the record 12 years later.
The Argentina captain had an early chance to surpass Klose in the ninth minute after Lautaro Martínez won a penalty. However, Messi dragged his effort wide of the bottom-right corner, leaving fans inside the stadium stunned.
Argentina’s dominance eventually paid off, and Messi finally claimed the record-breaking goal when he side-footed home Facundo Medina’s low cross to register his 17th World Cup goal.
The Inter Miami star added his second goal in stoppage time, firing home through a crowded penalty area after a goalmouth scramble. The brace took his tally at the tournament to five goals and further extended his record for the most World Cup appearances, with his 28th match at the finals.
Messi’s latest milestone adds to a glittering career that includes an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, eight Ballon d’Or awards and the FIFA World Cup title he won with Argentina in Qatar in 2022.
Although Messi now holds the record outright, it could still come under threat from France captain Kylian Mbappé. The 2018 World Cup winner entered France’s match against Iraq later on Monday with 14 World Cup goals and remains well placed to challenge the mark in future tournaments.
Regardless of what happens during the remainder of the competition, Messi has become the first male player to score 18 goals at FIFA World Cup finals.
Argentina’s victory also extended their unbeaten run at the World Cup to eight matches, with six wins and two draws, while they have now won nine consecutive matches in all competitions. Austria, meanwhile, suffered only their second defeat in their last 13 matches, having recorded 10 wins and one draw in that period.
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