Ranking all 18 of Lionel Messi’s record haul of World Cup goals

In a historic moment during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi etched his name into football legend by becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. On June 23, 2026, Messi scored two crucial goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas, marking his 17th and 18th goals in World Cup competitions. With these strikes, Messi surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals. His first goal came in the first half, securing a 1-0 lead for Argentina, while the second was scored in stoppage time following a well-executed counter-attack. These goals solidified Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport.

Messi has scored his goals across five different World Cup tournaments, starting with a goal against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006. Each of his goals carries its own significance, reflecting both the pressure of the occasion and the skill required to perform under such intense scrutiny. For instance, in the 2022 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, Messi scored a penalty after being fouled by the Croatian goalkeeper, showcasing his composure under pressure. Another notable goal came in the 2022 final against France, where Messi scored twice, including a crucial penalty in the 23rd minute that gave Argentina the lead.

The 2022 World Cup saw Messi achieve his dream of lifting the trophy with Argentina, and his goals played a pivotal role in that success. One of his standout performances was in the final against France, where he scored a goal in the 108th minute, which was a result of a rebound after France's goalkeeper failed to hold onto a shot. This goal, though seemingly opportunistic, was vital in securing Argentina's victory. Additionally, in the 2022 quarter-final against the Netherlands, Messi assisted his teammate Nauel Molina and later scored a penalty, contributing significantly to Argentina's progression in the tournament.

In the 2026 World Cup, Messi continued to demonstrate his prowess on the field. During Argentina's group stage matches, he scored several important goals, including a hat-trick against Algeria, which marked a significant milestone in his career. His ability to score from various positions on the field, often with curling shots that bend just enough to find the back of the net, highlights his technical skills and understanding of the game.

Messi's journey to becoming the World Cup's all-time leading scorer has been marked by consistency and resilience. From his early days in the 2006 World Cup to his recent achievements in the 2026 tournament, each goal tells a story of dedication and passion for the game. As he continues to play for Argentina, fans around the world eagerly await more moments of brilliance from the man widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.