FIFA World Cup 2026: All the records broken by Lionel Messi in a single day
Argentine captain delivers record-shattering performance in Austria group clash
DALLAS, Texas – Lionel Messi produced a historic masterclass in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, scoring both goals and rewriting multiple pages of football history in one evening.
The Argentina captain not only became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer but also added several longevity and appearance records to his name, further cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
All the records broken by Lionel Messi today:
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) June 22, 2026
Most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football (soccer) player - 18
Most FIFA World Cup matches played in by an individual - 28
Most matches won by a player at the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup - 18
Most minutes played in the…
From goals to minutes on the pitch, Messi’s performance delivered a complete statistical takeover of World Cup history.
Record goals
Messi, 38, became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals, overtaking Germany’s Miroslav Klose. He also moved past Brazil legend Marta’s previous combined record of 17, making him the highest scorer across both men’s and women’s World Cups.
In the match against Austria, Messi scored a brace (two goals), including the decisive strike that took him to the record mark. The performance came despite an early penalty miss, underlining his ability to respond under pressure on football’s biggest stage.
World Cup appearances
Messi now holds the record for the most FIFA World Cup matches played – 28 appearances, reflecting his extraordinary consistency across six tournament editions spanning two decades.
Winning record
The Argentina captain also set the benchmark for the most FIFA World Cup wins by a player – 18 victories, a testament to his influence in Argentina’s sustained success at the tournament.
Endurance record
Messi extended yet another record for the most FIFA World Cup minutes played – 2,489 minutes, highlighting his unmatched longevity and importance in Argentina’s World Cup campaigns.
FIFA World Cup 2026
Beyond the records, Messi’s goals secured a 2-0 win over Austria, ensuring Argentina’s qualification for the knockout stage with a game to spare.
The defending champions continue their strong run in the 2026 tournament, powered by their captain’s record-breaking form.