Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history on June 22, 2026 [3].
The achievement cements Messi's legacy as one of the most prolific players in the history of the sport. By breaking a long-standing record, the Argentina forward has reached a milestone that few athletes in football have ever approached.
Messi reached the mark during Argentina’s group-stage match against Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup [4]. He scored his 17th career World Cup goal [1] during the contest, officially moving past the previous record holder.
For years, the record for the most goals in the tournament's history was held by Miroslav Klose [5]. Klose had finished his career with 16 goals [5], a tally that remained unsurpassed until this match.
Messi's ascent to the top of the scoring charts comes as Argentina continues its campaign in the tournament. The 17 goals [1] represent a career of consistency across multiple World Cup appearances, spanning several different eras of his professional play.
While the match against Austria served as the backdrop for the record, the focus remains on the historical weight of the feat. Messi is now the sole proprietor of the scoring record in the men's competition, a distinction that places him above every other forward to have competed since the tournament's inception.
Throughout the 2026 competition, the eyes of the sporting world have remained on the veteran forward. His ability to find the net in high-pressure group-stage games continues to define Argentina's offensive strategy as they seek further success in the tournament.
“Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history”
This record transition shifts the historical narrative of World Cup dominance from European strikers to an Argentinian playmaker. By surpassing Miroslav Klose, Messi has not only achieved a statistical milestone but has also reinforced his standing in the ongoing debate regarding the greatest player to ever play the game, providing a concrete metric of superiority in the world's most prestigious tournament.
