Messi Scores 17th, 18th World Cup Goals to Become All-Time Leading Scorer Ahead of 39th Birthday
Argentina captain Lionel Messi etched his name further into football history on Monday night, scoring his 17th and 18th FIFA World Cup goals to become the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their Group J clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who celebrates his 39th birthday on Wednesday, surpassed former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, whose previous record of 16 World Cup goals stood since 2014.
Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute at Dallas Stadium, calmly finishing from close range after a clever buildup involving Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina.
The Argentine legend then sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, firing home from a tight angle to register his 18th World Cup goal.
The historic achievement came despite an early setback for Messi, who missed a penalty in the eighth minute after Austria’s Stefan Posch fouled Lautaro Martinez inside the box.
Having already scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 victory over Algeria, Messi now leads the scoring charts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with five goals in just two matches.
Austria, coached by former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, had opportunities to level the contest, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a crucial save to deny Marcel Sabitzer’s powerful free-kick.
The victory moves defending champions Argentina national football team onto six points and secures their place in the Round of 32.
They could also finish as Group J winners depending on the outcome of the match between Jordan and Algeria.
Messi’s record-breaking performance further strengthens his legacy as one of football’s greatest players, with the Argentine icon continuing to rewrite history on the sport’s biggest stage just days before turning 39.
Argentina will conclude their group-stage campaign against Jordan, while Austria face Algeria in their final Group J fixture.
