Lionel Messi has etched his name even deeper into football history, becoming the outright highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentine captain entered the match level with German legend Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals but left Arlington, Texas, with a record-breaking tally of 18, claiming sole ownership of one of the game’s most prestigious records.
The milestone did not come easily. Messi missed an early penalty after Argentina were awarded a spot-kick, sending his effort wide. However, the 38-year-old responded in trademark fashion. Seven minutes before halftime, he calmly slotted home Argentina’s opener to score his 17th World Cup goal and move ahead of Klose.
Austria pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Argentina remained firmly in control. Deep into stoppage time, Messi put the result beyond doubt, reacting quickest inside the penalty area to fire home his second goal of the night and extend his record to 18 World Cup goals.
Beyond the individual achievement, the victory secured Argentina’s place in the knockout stages and reinforced the reigning champions’ credentials as they seek to defend the title they won four years ago.
Remarkably, Messi has now scored all five of Argentina’s goals at the tournament, underlining his enduring influence on the national team.
Argentina sit comfortably at the top of Group J and have already booked their place in the Round of 32. Yet the night belonged to Messi, whose latest feat adds another remarkable milestone to a career already regarded as one of the greatest in football history.
Just days before his 39th birthday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner once again demonstrated that age is no barrier to greatness. The World Cup scoring record that once belonged to Klose now belongs to Lionel Messi alone.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Jones Adzi
