Messi makes history, becomes all-time leading World Cup goalscorer

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Lionel Messi makes history, becomes all-time leading World Cup goalscorer

By Alyssa Clang | Last updated Jun 22, 2026 2:35 PM ET

He's done it: Lionel Messi is officially the top goalscorer in World Cup history.

The Argentine attacker found the back of the net against Austria to score his record-breaking 17th World Cup goal.

Messi's tally surpasses the previous record of 16 set by legendary German striker Miroslav Klose. It took Klose four World Cups and 24 appearances to register that tally; it took Messi six World Cups and 27 appearances to beat it.

The record-setting goal was Messi's fourth goal of the tournament, lifting him above Canada's Jonathan David and Germany's Deniz Undav in the Golden Boot standings.

Messi could've broken the record earlier against Austria when his team was granted a penalty in the eighth minute of play, but he put the decisive kick off target. It was his third World Cup penalty failure from seven attempts, but it didn't take Messi long to turn his luck around and find the back of the net from open play.

@foxsports MESSI MAKES HISTORY ONCE AGAIN #FIFAWorldCup #ArgentinavsAustria #Messi #MessiGOAL #SoccerTikTok @afaseleccion ♬ original sound - FOX Sports

Record-setting goal was what we've come to expect from Lionel Messi

The goal was, in many ways, a traditional Messi affair. Argentina left back Facundo Medina sprinted down the left flank and flashed a ball across the top of Austria's penalty area. Winger Thiago Almada dummied the ball through his feet, and Messi, alone in the center of the box, slammed a rising shot past Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

That's Messi in a nutshell: a player whose individual magic never comes at the expense of spectacular team play.

Argentina will continue its World Cup journey on Saturday, June 27 against Jordan in Arlington, Texas.

Alyssa Clang

Alyssa is a Boston-born Californian with a passion for global sport. She can yell about misplaced soccer passes in five languages and rattle off the turns of Silverstone in her sleep. You can find her dormant Twitter account at @alyssaclang, but honestly, you’re probably better off finding her here

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