Lionel Messi sets new all-time World Cup goalscoring record
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 39-year-old Argentine captain Lionel Messi reached a total of 18 career goals in the tournament, officially surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading World Cup scorer. This achievement was secured following a 2-0 victory over Austria on June 22, 2026, which ensured Argentina's qualification for the Round of 32. Messi had previously scored a hat-trick in the tournament opener against Algeria. In the match against Austria, Messi missed a penalty kick but later scored two goals. Statistical reports highlight that Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both achieved the milestone of their first and last World Cup goals spanning exactly 20 years and 6 days. Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday on June 24, 2026, currently leads the Golden Boot race with five goals in two matches.