Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history on June 22, 2026 [3].
This milestone cements Messi's legacy as the most prolific scorer in the tournament's history, surpassing a long-standing record held by Germany's Miroslav Klose.
The record-breaking moment occurred during a match between Argentina and Austria [4]. Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal during the contest [1], officially moving him past the previous mark of 16 goals [2].
Messi's ascent to the top of the scoring charts comes amidst the high stakes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The achievement marks the culmination of multiple tournament appearances where Messi consistently delivered offensive pressure for the Argentine national team.
For years, Klose's total of 16 goals [2] remained the gold standard for strikers on the world stage. By netting his 17th goal [1], Messi has established a new benchmark for future generations of players in the competition.
The match against Austria served as the backdrop for this historic feat. Fans and analysts said the goal represents a peak in the career of one of the sport's most decorated athletes.
“Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history”
Messi's achievement shifts the historical narrative of the FIFA World Cup by replacing a European scoring record with a South American one. This record provides Argentina with significant psychological momentum as they progress through the tournament and further validates Messi's statistical dominance over the course of his international career.
