ARLINGTON (Realist English). At 38 years old, Argentina captain Lionel Messi has achieved what no footballer has managed in the 96‑year history of the World Cup.
Scoring a brace in the Group Stage match of World Cup 2026 against Austria, he took his total tally at World Cups to 18 goals, becoming the outright record holder and surpassing the legendary German Miroslav Klose’s mark of 16 goals.
The match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ended in a 2:0 victory for the reigning world champions, with both goals coming from the Argentine genius.
On the 9th minute, Messi missed a penalty, but he made amends in the 38th minute, scoring his 17th World Cup goal and becoming the sole leader of the all‑time top scorers list.
In stoppage time of the second half, he added his second, taking the record to 18 goals. This strike was his fifth of the current tournament.
After the match, Messi was named Man of the Match for the second time at World Cup 2026 — an award he has now received 13 times in his career, which is also a record.
The Path to Immortality: From First Goal in 2006 to 18th in 2026
Messi scored his first World Cup goal in 2006 at the age of 18. Since then, he has found the net at every tournament: one goal in 2006, four in 2014, one in 2018, seven in 2022, and five at the current edition. Klose’s record of 16 goals had stood since 2014.
Earlier in this tournament, Messi had equalled the German’s achievement with a hat‑trick against Algeria (3:0).
Miroslav Klose himself, on the eve of the record‑breaking match, said he would be happy if Messi surpassed his record, calling the Argentina captain a “genius.”
“This is an incredible achievement,” Klose said. “Leo is a unique player, and I am proud that he has surpassed me.”
New Heights That Others May Never Reach
The 38‑year‑old Messi now has 122 goals in 201 appearances for Argentina. He also became the player with the most wins in World Cup finals tournaments — 17 matches.
The match against Austria was Messi’s 28th World Cup appearance and his sixth tournament — both record figures.
No footballer in history has played more World Cup matches than Messi. No one has scored more goals. No one has won more matches. And no one has been named Man of the Match more often than the Argentine.
Argentina Advance to the Knockout Stage
With this victory, Argentina have six points and have secured their place in the World Cup knockout stage. In their final group match on June 28, they will face Jordan.
The 2026 World Cup is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will conclude on July 19. Argentina are the defending champions and one of the tournament favourites.
