DALLAS — Argentine captain Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history on Monday, scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria and surpassing the previous record held by German striker Miroslav Klose.
Messi entered the Group J match level with Klose on 16 World Cup goals after scoring a hat trick against Algeria in Argentina’s tournament opener. His first goal against Austria, scored in the first half at Dallas Stadium, moved him ahead of Klose and established a new record in men’s World Cup competition. He later added a second goal in stoppage time, bringing his career World Cup total to 18.
The victory secured Argentina’s place in the knockout stage with one group match remaining, according to tournament organizers and match reports. Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the 2026 tournament so far, following three goals against Algeria and two against Austria.
The record-setting performance came in Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance, tying the tournament participation mark also reached by Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. At 38, Messi is competing in what many observers expect to be his final World Cup campaign.
Messi nearly broke the record earlier in the match when he missed a penalty in the opening minutes. He recovered later in the first half, finishing a team move to score his 17th World Cup goal and move past Klose, whose record of 16 had stood since 2014.
Reuters reported that the brace also enabled Messi to surpass Brazilian football icon Marta, whose tally of 17 goals in Women’s World Cup competition had been the highest total across both men’s and women’s tournaments. Messi’s second goal against Austria established a new overall World Cup scoring benchmark.
“I'm enjoying this moment,” Messi said after the match, according to media reports, while emphasizing the importance of Argentina’s qualification for the knockout rounds.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said the team remained focused on its title defense despite the individual milestone. Argentina won its opening two matches and advanced from the group stage with a game to spare.
The achievement added another chapter to Messi’s international career, which already includes the 2022 World Cup title and multiple Copa América championships. With the tournament still in its early stages, Messi’s record total could increase as Argentina progresses through the competition.
As of Wednesday, Messi led the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot award with five goals, while Argentina prepared for its final group-stage match before the start of the knockout rounds.
