Lionel Messi Becomes All-Time Highest Scorer in Men's World Cup History

In a monumental moment for football, Lionel Messi has officially etched his name in history as the highest-scoring player in men's World Cup history, surpassing the previous record held by Miroslav Klose. With a striking total of 18 goals, Messi secured this landmark achievement during Argentina's Group J match against Austria, where he netted two goals to elevate his tally. Messi's journey to this milestone began when he scored his first goal of the match, moving ahead of Klose's long-standing record of 16 goals, which had remained intact since the 2014 World Cup. Despite a brief setback where he missed a penalty, Messi showcased his unparalleled skill and poise, converting a well-placed pass into the back of the net with confidence. In a dramatic twist, Messi further solidified his record by scoring a second goal during the dying moments of injury time, demonstrating his relentless determination and exceptional talent. Entering the 2026 World Cup with 13 goals, Messi propelled himself into the record books after an electrifying performance that included his first World Cup hat-trick in Argentina's opening victory over Algeria. This performance not only tied him with Klose but also paved the way for him to stand alone at the top of the all-time charts. As the Argentine captain continues to write history, this achievement adds to an illustrious career that has already seen Messi become the first male footballer to participate in six World Cups. With his legacy expanding over two decades at the most elite levels of international football, he remains a phenomenal figure in the sport. While Messi holds the crown for men's World Cup scoring, the competition is fierce among active players. France's captain, Kylian Mbappé, trails behind with 14 goals, while England's Harry Kane has netted 10 goals. As Messi chases his fourth World Cup title and looks to secure a consecutive championship following Argentina's triumph in Qatar, he is driven to elevate his team's status in the world of football. In the realm of women's football, the record for the most World Cup goals is held by Brazil's Marta, who has scored 17 goals across five consecutive World Cups, marking her as a highly celebrated figure in the sport as well. Messi's historic achievement reaffirms his legendary status and cements his legacy as one of football's all-time greats. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2