Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history during Argentina's opening match against Austria on Monday [1, 2].
The achievement cements Messi's legacy as the most prolific goal scorer in the tournament's history, surpassing a long-standing benchmark set by Germany's Miroslav Klose [1, 3].
The record-breaking moment occurred at Dallas Stadium in Texas, where Messi scored to give Argentina the lead [2, 4]. The goal brought his total World Cup tally to 17 [1, 3], moving him past Klose's previous record of 16 goals [1].
Messi achieved this milestone at 39 years of age [4]. While some reports suggested a higher tally, verified data indicates the 17th goal established the new record [1].
The match served as the first encounter for Argentina in the 2026 tournament. By securing the lead against Austria, Messi not only provided a tactical advantage for his team but also etched his name into the record books at a venue in the U.S. [2, 4].
This milestone follows years of consistent performance across multiple World Cup campaigns. The transition of the record from Klose to Messi marks a shift in the historical dominance of scoring in the competition, as Argentina looks to maintain its competitive edge in the current tournament [1, 3].
“Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history”
Messi's ascent to the top of the all-time scoring list underscores his longevity and sustained impact on international football. By breaking Klose's record during the 2026 tournament, Messi demonstrates a rare ability to maintain elite production into his late 30s, providing Argentina with a psychological and competitive boost as they begin their campaign in the United States.
