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Lionel Messi Becomes All-Time Leading Goalscorer in FIFA World Cup History

By Kameron Duncan Men's Journal

The 2026 World Cup has been filled with incredible moments from some of the world's best stars, but no star has been as bright as Lionel Messi.

The legendary forward scored three times for Argentina in his opening match against Algeria, continuing his world-class international form from the previous World Cup. On Monday, he sat just one goal behind Germany's Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history.

In the first half of Monday's game against Austria, a typical moment of Messi magic produced a historic goal.

Lionel Messi scored his 17th career World Cup goal to pass Klose, taking sole possession of the all-time goal record for the competition. The goal came after Messi looked certain to obtain the record on an Argentina penalty, but he missed the goal on his attempt.

At the second time of asking, Messi scored on an assist from teammate Facundo Medina in the 38th minute for the history-making goal.

Lionel Messi's Incredible World Cup Record

Messi has now played at six World Cups for Argentina, dating back to Germany 2006. That year, he scored what was only his second international goal against what was then known as Serbia and Montenegro.

The Argentine forward was held scoreless at South Africa 2010, despite his nation advancing to the quarterfinals. Messi scored four times at Brazil 2014 and once at Russia 2018, but the finest international performance of his career came at Qatar 2022.

Messi tallied seven goals during Argentina's cup-winning run four years ago, including two in the classic final against France. His fourth goal reinforces his status as this World Cup's leading scorer, just two days before his 39th birthday.

In addition to his goal-scoring record, Messi is also tied for the most assists in World Cup history with eight. He currently shares that record with another iconic Argentina player in Diego Maradona, who led the nation to victory in 1986.

Argentina lead against Austria in their second World Cup game, and a win would clinch a spot in the round of 32. No country has won back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, but Argentina appear to be up to their status as one of the assumed favorites.

Where to See Messi After the World Cup

Following the World Cup, fans in America will still be able to see Messi play in person. He currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, a team co-owned by another legendary soccer star in David Beckham.

Inter Miami is currently second in MLS' Eastern Conference, and they'll return to competition after the World Cup against the Chicago Fire on July 22. Matches against Montreal (July 25) and Columbus (August 1) will follow.

Messi now stands alone as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, but his record may not last through the tournament - or even the day.

France's Kylian Mbappe (14 goals entering Monday) scored twice in his first World Cup game, and the French team faces Iraq later on Monday in Philadelphia.

We'll see where Messi ends up when the tournament is complete, but for now he is the World Cup's greatest goal scorer ever - indisputably.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 2:19 PM.

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