Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history during a group stage match on June 22, 2026 [1].
This milestone cements Messi's legacy as the most prolific scorer in the tournament's history, surpassing previous marks held by Miroslav Klose and Marta. The achievement comes as Argentina advances to the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament hosted in North America [2].
Messi netted two goals in the Group J match to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria [3]. While reports on the exact final tally vary, the feat marks either his 18th [3] or 19th [4] career World Cup goal. This performance allowed the 38-year-old forward to break the long-standing scoring record [5].
Beyond the total goal count, Messi extended a remarkable scoring streak during the match. Depending on the tracking source, he has now scored in either six [6] or seven [4] consecutive World Cup matches. This consistency has been a primary driver for Argentina's success in the group stage, a phase where the team has dominated Group J.
The victory over Austria was critical for Argentina's progression in the tournament [3]. By securing the win, the team ensured its place in the knockout stages, maintaining their momentum as one of the favorites to win the title. The match highlighted Messi's continued influence on the pitch despite his age [5].
FIFA and various sporting outlets have highlighted the record-breaking nature of the match. The achievement reflects a career of sustained excellence across multiple World Cup cycles, culminating in this historic performance in North America [1].
“Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history”
Messi's ascent to the top of the all-time scoring list provides a definitive statistical answer to debates over the greatest player in history. By breaking the record at 38, he demonstrates an unprecedented level of longevity and efficiency in the world's most pressured tournament, while simultaneously positioning Argentina as a formidable contender for the 2026 trophy.
