Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring his 18th goal on June 22, 2026 [1].
This achievement cements Messi's legacy as the most prolific goal scorer in the history of the tournament. By surpassing the previous record, the Argentine captain has reached a milestone that distinguishes him from every other player in the competition's long history.
The record-breaking performance occurred during a match against Austria [1]. Messi reached the milestone by scoring his 17th and 18th goals in the same game [1]. A Sportsnet reporter said Messi broke the scoring record specifically with his 17th goal [2].
Messi's scoring streak helped defending champion Argentina secure a victory and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament [1]. The performance ensures that Argentina remains a primary contender for the title as they move forward in the competition.
While previous reports from the Associated Press noted Messi had tied the record with 16 goals during a prior hat-trick, his current tally of 18 goals establishes a new benchmark [1]. This progression highlights a consistent scoring ability across multiple World Cup appearances.
CBC Sports said that Messi set the World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, which guaranteed Argentina's progression to the next round [1]. The goals further solidify Messi's role as the focal point of the Argentine offense.
“Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history”
Messi's ascent to the top of the World Cup scoring list provides him with a statistical legacy that is difficult to challenge. By securing this record while leading the defending champions into the knockout stages, he maintains his influence on the global game even in the later stages of his career.
