Lionel Messi scored his 18th World Cup goal on Monday to become the highest scorer in the tournament's history [1].
The achievement marks a historic milestone in international soccer, as Messi is now the first player, male or female, to reach this total [2].
Argentina defeated Austria 3-0 during the match held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas [3, 5]. Messi entered the game chasing the record previously held by Brazilian legend Marta, who had scored 17 goals in her World Cup career [2, 4].
Messi reached the 18-goal mark just before the final whistle [1]. While some reports indicated a hat-trick, the final score remained 3-0 [3]. The victory reinforces Argentina's standing as the 2022 champions and secures a dominant start in the current tournament [3].
The record-breaking goal occurred on June 22, 2026 [3, 4]. The match drew significant attention to the North Texas region as part of the wider tournament schedule in the U.S. [5].
By surpassing Marta, Messi has bridged the gap between the men's and women's game in terms of statistical recognition. The 18-goal tally establishes a new benchmark for longevity, and efficiency on the world's biggest sporting stage [1, 2].
“Messi is now the first player, male or female, to reach this total”
This record transcends gender categories in sports, consolidating Messi's legacy as the most prolific scorer in FIFA World Cup history. By surpassing Marta, the achievement highlights the increasing intersection of men's and women's sporting records in global media coverage and statistical tracking.
