Messi becomes World Cup’s all‑time leading scorer with 17th goal

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Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrated after scoring the opening goal in the 2026 World Cup Group J match between Argentina and Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Lionel Messi became the all‑time leading scorer in World Cup history when he netted against Austria on Monday, raising his total to 17 goals.

Messi had matched Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals when he hit a hat‑trick in a 3‑0 victory over Algeria, opening Argentina’s title defence in North America last week.

He added a 17th goal after 38 minutes in Argentina’s second group game, to deafening cheers at the Dallas Cowboys’ home in Arlington, Texas.

The 38‑year‑old missed a penalty earlier in the match.

Messi is competing in his sixth World Cup, having first appeared in 2006, and he now has 121 goals in 201 matches for his country.

His sustained quality bodes well for Argentina’s ambition to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles.

Messi was tearful after his first goal against Algeria, and it later emerged that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue.

Despite personal challenges and a hamstring niggle that complicated his preparation, Messi’s presence alone inspires his teammates.

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

Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, had not committed to the tournament in North America until the last moment, but nobody expected him to be absent from leading Argentina’s title defence.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain star guided his country to World Cup glory four years ago, and the opportunity to represent his nation again on the biggest stage proved irresistible.

Argentina can reach the next round with a victory over Austria and would secure the top spot in Group J if Jordan fails to beat Algeria later on Monday.

After Miroslav Klose, the next on the all‑time list is Brazilian great Ronaldo with 15 goals, followed by Gerd Müller and current France star Kylian Mbappé, each with 14.