Argentina’s Messi breaks World Cup world record with historic 17th goal
South American side strengthens qualification hopes after Austria clash
DALLAS, Texas – Lionel Messi has etched his name deeper into football history after becoming the all-time leading scorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history.
The Argentina captain struck his 17th World Cup goal during a 2026 group-stage clash against Austria, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16.
The landmark moment also saw Messi move level with Brazil’s Marta, whose 17-goal tally in the women’s tournament stood as the overall World Cup benchmark.
The achievement came in Argentina’s second Group J match as they continued their push for knockout qualification.
Record goal
Messi’s record-breaking strike arrived in Dallas during a flowing Argentina move that highlighted the team’s attacking rhythm.
The 38-year-old initiated the build-up before drifting into space inside the penalty area. He met Facundo Medina’s low cross with a first-time finish, steering the ball into the bottom corner.
The goal marked his fourth of the 2026 edition and confirmed his position at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.
Historic moment
The milestone adds another chapter to Messi’s long-standing World Cup legacy, spanning multiple tournaments and defining moments on football’s biggest stage. His consistency across editions has separated him from other elite forwards, culminating in this latest record during the 2026 campaign.
Argentina in World Cup 2026
The victory over Austria strengthened Argentina’s position in Group J after they opened their campaign with a 3-0 win against Algeria. With momentum building, the reigning champions remain firmly on course for a place in the knockout rounds.