World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi is making football history once again

Lionel Messi has once again etched his name into football history during the 2026 World Cup, surpassing the previous record for most goals scored in World Cup tournaments. In a crucial match against Austria, which Argentina won 2:0, Messi netted two goals—his 17th and 18th in World Cup history—thereby overtaking German striker Miroslav Klose, who had previously held the record with 16 goals. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Messi's career, as he now stands alone at the top of this prestigious list.

The game took place in Dallas, where Argentina displayed strong performance throughout the match. Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute after receiving a pass from Thiago Almada, following an earlier missed penalty kick in the ninth minute. His second goal came in added time, sealing the victory for Argentina and ensuring their early advancement to the Round of 16. After the match, Messi expressed his satisfaction with the result, stating that it was a difficult but beautiful win and that he simply enjoys being in the moment.

This triumph was particularly meaningful for Messi, who turned 38 just two days before the match. It marked his sixth appearance at the World Cup, a feat in itself given his age. Throughout these six tournaments, Messi has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively. His current tally of 18 goals includes all five goals Argentina scored during their 2022 World Cup campaign, further highlighting his importance to the team.

Messi’s journey to becoming the top scorer in World Cup history began back in 2006 when he made his debut at the tournament in Germany. At just 18 years old, he scored one goal and assisted another in Argentina’s 6:0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro. Since then, Messi has continued to build on that foundation, accumulating an impressive total of 28 World Cup matches played, with nine assists to his name. This means that he has been directly involved in nearly one goal per game—a remarkable statistic considering his age and the high level of competition in international football.

The significance of Messi’s achievement extends beyond mere numbers. He has become a symbol of excellence and consistency in the sport, often compared to other greats like Diego Maradona. Exactly 40 years after Maradona's legendary performance in the 1986 World Cup final against England, Messi delivered his own memorable display against Austria. This connection between two Argentine legends adds depth to Messi’s legacy, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

In Argentina, Messi is celebrated as a national hero, and his recent performances have only solidified his position as such. Media outlets have praised him extensively, with newspapers like "Clarin" and "La Nacion" describing him as a king of the world whose talent shows no signs of decline. These accolades reflect the deep admiration fans have for Messi, who continues to break records despite his advancing age.

Miroslav Klose, the former record holder, has publicly acknowledged Messi’s achievements, expressing his congratulations and affirming that Messi is the greatest player of all time. This recognition from a fellow legend underscores the magnitude of Messi’s accomplishments and highlights how his impact on the sport transcends borders and generations.

As the World Cup progresses, attention will remain focused on Messi’s performance and whether he can continue to lead Argentina to success. With each match, he adds more chapters to his already storied career, proving that even at 38, he remains a formidable force in world football. The upcoming stages of the tournament will provide further opportunities for Messi to showcase his skills and potentially secure more historic milestones.