Lionel Messi Breaks All-Time FIFA World Cup Scoring Record

Lionel Messi has made football history once again, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

The Argentina captain reached the milestone during Argentina’s match against Austria, scoring his 17th World Cup goal and moving past Germany’s Miroslav Klose on the men’s tournament scoring list. With another goal later in the match, Messi also moved beyond Marta’s overall World Cup scoring mark, standing alone at the top of football’s biggest stage.

Messi’s record-breaking moment came in the first half with a powerful first-time finish from a Facundo Medina pass. The shot found the bottom corner and gave Argentina the lead. Later in stoppage time, Messi scored again after reacting quickly to a rebound, showing the same determination and sharpness that have defined his career.

The goals added another historic chapter to Messi’s World Cup story. He has played in every tournament since 2006 and has scored in nearly every edition. After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi has continued to build his legacy in 2026.

Messi also became one of the few players to score in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining a special group of legends who have delivered on the biggest stage.

While Messi now holds the record, the race for World Cup history may not be over. France star Kylian Mbappé is also climbing the all-time scoring list and could challenge the record in the future. With his pace, finishing, and incredible World Cup record at a young age, Mbappé remains one of the players to watch.

For now, however, this moment belongs to Messi. His latest achievement confirms his place among the greatest players in football history and gives Argentina fans another unforgettable World Cup memory.