Messi breaks all-time World Cup record with 17 goals vs Austria | World Cup 2026 news

Messi is now the all-time and current leading scorer in the competition with 17 and four goals respectively.

Lionel Messi broke the record for most goals in FIFA World Cup history after scoring his side’s first goal in their Group J match against Austria, taking his tally to 17 goals in six matches.

Argentina’s captain topped the charts on Monday when he swept home after 38 minutes of his side’s second group game, to a roaring roar at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas in the United States.

Messi had equaled Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria to open the South American nation’s defense in North America last week.

The 38-year-old missed a penalty early in the game.

Messi is playing in his sixth World Cup, his first coming in 2006, and now has 121 goals in 201 games for his country.

He is the third player to score for his country in six consecutive World Cup matches.

His enduring character bodes well for Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.

Messi scored his first goal in Algeria in tears, and it was later revealed that his father was recovering from an undisclosed injury.

Although he is dealing with pain and difficult stability due to a hamstring injury, Messi’s presence strengthens his teammates.

“If anyone thought the team was better without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of all,” said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria.

Inter Miami forward Messi had never committed to play in a North American tournament until the last minute.

But no one expected that he would not be there to lead Argentina’s defence.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star led his country to World Cup glory four years ago.

Argentina can qualify for the next round with a win over Austria and are guaranteed to finish top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday.

After former Germany international Klose, next on the all-time list is Brazilian great Ronaldo, with 15 goals, one ahead of Gerd Muller and current French star Kylian Mbappe.