Messi makes history: becomes all-time top scorer in World Cup history with brace vs Austria
Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria (2-0) on June 22 to surpass Miroslav Klose's record and become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals.
June 22, 2026 will be remembered as the night Lionel Messi became the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history. The Argentine captain struck twice against Austria in a 2-0 victory at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to reach 18 World Cup goals and surpass Miroslav Klose's record of 16 that had stood since 2014.
The record-breaking moment
In the 30th minute, Messi latched onto a Thiago Almada cutback and finished first time to draw level with Klose. He then tucked home his 18th in stoppage time — coolly, inevitably — the way only Messi can, sending the stadium and millions watching around the world into raptures.
History at 39
What makes the achievement almost incomprehensible is the age at which Messi is doing it. At 39, participating in what may be his final World Cup, he is still the decisive, record-breaking force that has defined the sport for two decades. He has now scored in seven consecutive World Cup matches — yet another record.
Argentina perfect in Group J
The defending champions sealed their round of 32 berth with a game to spare, topping Group J with three wins from three, conceding just once and scoring freely throughout.
