Lionel Messi has become the highest goalscorer ever in FIFA World Cup history following his goal in Argentina’s match against Austria in Group J of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The diminutive veteran netted the only goal of the first half to bring his tally to 17 World Cups goals, breaking the 16-goal record of Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
Messi had equaled the record in Argentina’s first World Cup match where the former Barcelona star netted a hattrick, his first ever in the World Cup.
Messi had missed a penalty earlier in the match, and saw consecutive chances saved or blocked, but the 40 years old Miami FC talisman could not be denied in the 38th minute when a low cross found him on the edge of the area and Messi buried it to hand Argentina the first half lead.
Messi has now scored four goals in the ongoing tournament and leads the goalscorers chart.
Argentina, the World Cup champions, are defending their Qatar 2022 title, and the Albiceleste look poised for a lengthy un in their title defence.
A win will qualify Lionel Scaloni’s men into the round of 32.